Page 27 of One Week
I smile, remembering the conversation. “Just life… and stuff. We were being a little silly.”
Corrie smirks. “Silly… is that what we’re calling it these days? By silly, do you mean sexy?!”
I shake my head. “No, no, no. It wasn’t anything like that. He was a perfect gentleman.”
“Where was John during this little video chat liaison?” Corrie asks.
Sheesh…she’s such a drama queen sometimes, always making a mountain out of a molehill.
“He was at a conference… again,” I say sharply. “And it wasn’t aliaison.We talked about our mothers, actually,” I tell them. “His mom passed away too.”
“I’m not sure this is a great idea, Gabbie,” Kayla chimes in, her tone as soft as always. “This guy is gorgeous, and you are having intimate chats… conversations John doesn’t know about, I assume. Have you even told him about this guy?!”
Not her too. I feel like they’re all ganging up on me. “C’mon, he lives in Denmark, for crying out loud, and it was just aconversation.”
“It always starts with a conversation,” Corrie points out.
“It does,” Maeve agrees.
Ugh.
I know they’re right. They’re completely right. I need to end this.
“You’re right,” I finally concede. “But I need this… this friendship, whatever the hell this is.”
I stare down at my latte, unable to face any of them — what must they all think about me? My heart sinks at the thought of saying goodbye to Eli. I don’t want to hurt him, and I know I’ll miss him. He’s a nice person — this, I know deep in my heart, all the more reason to end this. If I’m not careful, I might just fall in love with him.
Chapter Eleven
THAT’S THE ANSWER. Why am I acting like a love-struck junior high school girl? Maybe I’m bored. Maybe I’m looking for excitement. When’s the last time John and I have gone on a date, just the two of us, without the kids? I can’t even remember.
As soon as he gets home, I steal a kiss before the kids get a hold of him. I let him chat and play with them for a while. He gives them chocolates, candy, and pens. It’s always so exciting when Daddy gets home from his signings — he always has something for them.
The kids are busy with their treats. He winks at me and pulls me in for a hug.
“I missed you,” I tell him.
He kisses me — a quick peck on the lips. “I’ve missed you too, baby.”
“I had this great idea,” I say. “I think we should go on a date… just us two. Fancy dinner, and maybe a movie.”
He grins playfully. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Great,” I cheer. “I’ll callAlberto’s. Tomorrow night?!”
“Sure, I’m open,” he says. He’s in a great mood tonight. And so am I. We’re great. We’re rock solid. I don’t even know why I’ve been carrying on the way I’ve been. What was I thinking?
* * *
I’ve worn one of my sexiest outfits; a little red flowy dress with a scoop neckline, paired with fabulous boots and a black clutch.
I put on the diamond earrings John gave me on our last anniversary, and for the final touch, I dab on some red lipstick to match the dress.
When I step out of our en-suite, John does a double-take and whistles.
I laugh. “You like?”
His eyes are hungry as they slowly trace the curves of my body, from the neckline of my dress all the way down to my toes. “Yes… very much so.”
