Chapter Twelve
Addi
My phone rings, the loud alert sound piercing my ears. I keep meaning to change that damn ring tone.
Leigh’s cute face lights up my screen, and I press to answer. “Hey, sexy girl.”
Her infectious giggle comes through the phone. “Hey, hey, lady. What are you up to tonight?”
“Oh, you know … the usual … two hot dates, a massage, maybe a few drinks out on the yacht ...” I drift off, wishing even one of those things was true.
“Ha! The usual, my ass. You fucking wish, biatch.”
“You fucking wish, too.” We dissolve into a heap of laughter. Man, I’ve missed this girl. “I’m being lame. What else is new? Curled up in my pajamas, staring out the window. I was about to crack open a book.”
“An actual book? Like with the hard cover? Or soft?”
“Yeah, one of those. I know they’re as ancient as dinosaurs now, but they’re classic. Can’t beat the smell.”
“Whatever you say. So, spill the beans, chick.”
“Spill what beans? There are no beans to spill.”
“Yeah, okay. Every day I call you, you’re down at the shop and can't talk much. How's it going? Did you finally tap that ass again?”
I grin to myself. “You know it.”
“Aha! I knew you would. Did your drunk memories serve you well?”
“Mmmhmmm, they did. It's better actually.”
“Yahhhs, girl. That's what I'm talking about. And working together? How's that going?”
“Surprisingly well. I work on the accounting and help customers who come into the shop while he's out doing lessons. I've sold a few paintings and even more on my Etsy shop. The foot traffic brings traffic to my website. That's magic right there.”
“Oh! I'm so excited for you! We gotta go out and celebrate!”
“Yes. That reminds me, my friend from school is coming into town soon. I want you guys to meet.”
“I’d love to do dinner and drinks. That'll be fun.”
“Okay, your turn to spill. How’s Joe?”
“Fucking amazing. Let me tell you ...” She describes their fun dates. His family owns a business of renting boats, and they've gone out a few times. “I wish we could see each other more, you know? Story of my life.”
“I hear ya. It'll get easier. Hang in there. Come over now. We can have some wine and laugh at funny movies. Like our senior year.”
“I wish, but I'm babysitting tonight. Maybe tomorrow?”
“I'm working in the afternoon. We could catch up after.”
“Try not to have too much fun at work.” Leigh snickers.
“I'm not making any promises. It's all in good fun anyway. We aren't serious.”
“Did anything else happen?”
I bite my lip. I tell her everything, so why do I feel like keeping this a secret? Because I promised myself I wouldn’t get involved in something? Because I know I’m already in deep like with a man I hardly know?