“I think that’d be great. Not that I know him as well or have a history like you do. But yesterday, we actually had a lot of fun. He doesn’t seem to hate the world as much. I mean, he still hates people,” I chuckled, “but he wasn’t as grumpy as normal, which was nice. We laughed a lot, and he brought Fort, so that was a blast.”
“Is that one of his new dogs?”
“Yeah, he’s having a little trouble with him, and for some reason, the dog likes me, so he asked if I’d help.”
“I’m not surprised. You’re amazing, Lo.” His smile was genuine, and I found myself returning it, attempting to not dismiss his compliment. I pushed away the uncomfortableness, reminding myself it was because I wasn’t used to hearing those things, not that they weren’t true.
“Well, I better tell Jude. Do you want to meet back here, in, let’s say, 20 minutes, to leave?”
“Perfect. I need to change out of my work clothes. I can be back in fifteen minutes.”
“Sounds good. I don’t really need to do much. Let me go check with Jude.”
“Okay.” He kissed my cheek, surprising me, before giving me a wink as he walked toward the door. I found myself watching him walk away, focusing on the way his butt looked in those pants of his. The man wore a suit well and had a way of looking sexy and professional. There was also a layer of disheveled rumpledness about him like you could mess him up, and he wouldn’t mind. It was a weird combination, but it worked for Monroe. The door shut, and I jumped back at the sound. I needed to stop getting lost in my thoughts.
Walking to Jude’s room, I knocked on the door and waited until “enter” was mumbled.
“Hey, so change of plans. Dinner will be at Mr. Masters’ house now. Can you be ready in 15 minutes?”
“Yeah,” he confirmed, sitting up quickly. “Immy going to be there?”
“Yep, and Monroe’s coming with us too.”
“Oh, okay. Cool. You okay with all this?”
“Yeah,” I immediately responded, but stopped when his question penetrated. “What do you mean?”
“Just seems like you have a lot on your plate.”
“Yeah,” I agreed, “I’m just trying to figure it out.”
Jude nodded in response, an understanding look on his face. “Yeah, I can be ready in 15 minutes.”
“Perfect.”
Closing his door, I put his concern in a little pocket in my mind to remind myself when I was feeling lonely that he cared. Walking into my room, I realized I didn’t know how we were getting there. Unlocking the phone still clutched in my hand, I saved the number and sent a message asking about transportation.
ME:We’re leaving in 15 minutes. Will you be sending a car again? It’s not that I expect it, but I didn’t want to arrive at your house and make your magic car people wait for no reason.
A few seconds later,the dots popped up, and he replied. I had to admire a man who didn’t make me wait.
Mr. ‘Bossy Pants’ Masters: Beau will be waiting for you at 6:00 pm, Mrs. Carter.
ME:Thank you.
Before I could stop myself,I asked another question, finding it easier through text.
ME:Should I bring wine or something?
Mr. ‘Bossy Pants’ Masters:Not needed. I assure you I have a full wine cellar if you’re interested in some.
ME: Oh, okay, thank you. It was more of a knee-jerk reaction. Growing up, I always felt like I had to bring something.
Mr. ‘Bossy Pants’ Masters:Just yourself, Mrs. Carter.
ME: Okay, I’ll see you in a little bit then.
Mr. ‘Bossy Pants’ Masters:Looking forward to it, Mrs. Carter.