Page 29 of Wicked Player
“Well, at first, he came in the shop for a bagel or a coffee. We made small talk, got to know each other slowly. I learned that he was from the area, that he worked at the nearby lumber mill. I still remember the brown worn leather jacket he used to wear back then. He also had a light beard. He had that easy-going look about him, that laissez-faire attitude. I think that’s what I liked about him.”
“Sounds like he was pretty dreamy,” I quip.
She grins. “Oh, he was. And he seemed to adore me, which I licked up like a thirsty kitten. I loved the attention. I knew it was wrong because I was married, but Caleb hadn't looked at me that way in ages. And the way Everett looked at me was irresistible.”
I am completely taken in by her story, and I can relate because of the way Colton looked at me. It made my world. It made my world stop. I know exactly what she's talking about.
"For sure,” I say. “I get it… tell me what happens next."
She laughs. "You are quite the impatient little one, aren't you?”
“Yes… yes, I am.”
“So,” she goes on. “He got into my knickers.”
“What?”
A ping jolts me right out of the story.
I've recently set up sound alerts on my email notifications. That's how desperate I've become. That's what he does to me. I quickly grab my phone and check if it’s him. “Sorry, just need to check quickly,” I say to Judy.
My heart practically leaps out of my chest when I realize the message is from Colton indeed.
Hello, Clara,
Sorry, I haven't been in touch. I was just going over my schedule and found an opening tonight. Would you give me the pleasure of your company for the evening?
Sincerely,
Colton
Oh, please. He has found an opening in his schedule for little old me. How do I respond? Do I go snarky, or do I go more demure? I just don't know. It will have to wait.
Judy is settled back in her chair, and she is ready to tell me more, but then as I gaze at the clock, I realize it's that time. I need to get back to work.
“I’m sorry, Judy. I really want to hear the rest of your story, but I need to get back to the café. Tina is there now, but my shift is coming up.”
She waves a hand. “No worries. We’ll continue later.”
I kiss her on the cheek. “Thanks so much, Judy.”
We exchange quick goodbyes, and I apologize again with a promise to see her soon and hear the rest of her story.
* * *
I’m at work, and the place is dead. I grab my phone and start typing away.
Dear Mr. Rossi,
I am delighted that you found a spot for me in your busy schedule. Unfortunately, perhaps hard to believe, I have a busy schedule also, with my son and my work. Quite busy in fact. So it is with dismay that I must decline your offer since I am not available this evening. Perhaps another prospect can fill my void.
Sincerely,
Clara Scott
Yes, I decided to go snarky. I couldn’t help myself. The man just makes me so angry. I’m not sure if my words make any sense at all, but I'm hoping he gets the message.
I await for Colton's reply eagerly, and this time it comes quickly.
