We have a strict no cell rule for movie night, but technically we haven’t started it yet.
It’s Enzo. I told him what I was doing tonight, which makes it a surprise, though not an unpleasant one, that he’s calling now.
“Hello?”
“Hey, tiger,” he says, his deep, raspy voice quickening my pulse. “Sorry to interrupt movie night.”
I look at Lisa and try not to laugh. She’s making kissy faces and totally attempting to sabotage my call.
“It’s no problem. We didn’t start the movie yet.”
“What are you watching?”
“French Kiss,” I admit.
“Seriously? Still?”
It’s one of many reminders that this isn’t just any guy. It’s Enzo, who’s known me for years. Enzo, who was around when I learned to ride my bike.
“It’s been . . .” I ask Lisa, “How long has it been since we’ve seen this?”
She thinks. “At least a year.”
“At least a year,” I repeat.
Enzo’s soft chuckle makes me wish he were here, in PA, and not more than two hours away.
“I won’t keep you from Kevin Kline, but I just wanted to let you know I have to cancel Sunday.”
My heart drops into my stomach. Enzo was going to drive down for the day. Maybe I can go to New York instead?
“Something came up with the vodka formula. Looks like I’ll be in the lab most of the weekend.”
So much for me visiting him.
“No problem,” I say, because it doesn’t sound like there’s much of a choice. “Hope everything is OK?”
He sighs. “I hope so too. We’re having some trouble with the peak effects—” He cuts himself off, just like he always does when he starts talking chemistry. As if I might find it boring. Which I wouldn’t. “Anyway, I need to get into the lab to see what the hell is going on. I’m thinking I’ll be there at least a few days.”
When Enzo’s in the lab, time becomes a foreign concept to him. Which means we probably won’t talk much until he gets it worked out.
“I’m sorry, Char.” I can tell he’s sincere. And the fact that he’s as sad to miss Sunday as I am . . . that’s what matters.
“We’ll have more Sundays,” I say, and Lisa pouts in sympathy for my obviously cancelled plans. “Go work your magic. Give me a call when you can.”
After last weekend, it feels like there should be something more. But no way I’m going to use the big L word first. And when it does happen, I’d rather be with him.
“Will do. Tell Lisa, and Kevin, I said hello.”
I smile into the phone. “OK. Talk soon.”
Ending the call, I look up. “Enzo says hello.”
“So no Sunday?”
“Nope.” I grab another slice of pizza. So much for stopping at two. “Work.”
We talked about this on the flight back, Enzo’s relentless work schedule. And I told him I get it, that building an empire is a full-time gig. Of course, truth be told, Idon’tone hundred percent get it. It’s just one more way in which his life is foreign to me. But I’m trying to understand.