Page 50 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
“Um, yeah, about that. You know I say this with love, but girl, you’ve been single for a while now and you’re in a slump. So, I’m not sure your theory is holding up. What are you going to do, stay single until you die because you think that’s the only way you can be inspired? Seems to me, the minute Nicco walked into your life, your inspiration ignited.”
“Whoowh, you’re telling me.” Grabbing a pillow, I clutch it to my chest.
“What?” There’s that high pitch again.
“Oh my gosh, I had the wildest, most vibrant fantasy about him in the shower this morning. I meanwild.” I bury my face in the pillow and scream.
“Oooo.” She squeals. “Yes, girl! See, maybe this is exactly what you need.”
“Look, he’s a really nice guy. Actually, a lot nicer than I gave him credit for, well, only knowing the playboy side of him I read about. But honestly, it doesn’t matter. He’s hot rising to fame, and that puts us in two different categories. Someday when he realizes he’s so much better than the image he throws out there and decides to show the world what a great guy he is, some hot, famous woman is going to win his heart.”
“Not if it’s already taken.” The sincerity in her voice makes me sad because I know the truth is that Nicco and I could never be together. “Hey, I gotta go.”
“Okay.”
“What do you say you fly out here and spend a couple days with me?”
“Oh my gosh, you know I’d love to, but I don’t have the money right now.”
“What if I pay half?”
“Candi,” I gruff. She knows I don’t want pity-money.
“Please. I’m making a killing on this job. Besides, what else am I gonna do with my money?”
I sigh. I really want to go. “I don’t even know if I can get a flight this close.”
“Just try, please.” I can picture her pleading face.
“Let me check on flights and see if I can borrow some money from my mom. When should I go? I’m with Nicco tomorrow and have to help my mom with a charity event Friday morning.”
“Can you come Friday night? We can fly back Monday if that works for you.”
“Okay, you go and let me do some research.”
She squeals with delight. “I hope you can come. And, Des,” she says, shifting from excitement to tenderness. “I know Kevin hurt you, but please don’t close off your heart forever. You’re such an amazing woman and you deserve to have an amazing love story with an amazing man.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too. Let me know how you make out.”
She makes a kissing sound into the phone and we hang up. Letting the warm salty breeze wash over me, I consider what Candi said. She’s not wrong. Even though I’m holding tightly to my theory, right now, it’s crap. Even if it is crap, that doesn’t mean I have any business thinking there could ever be anything between me and Nicco. I do hope we stay friends after next week though.
Bending up my knees, I wrap my arms around my legs and take in a few more breaths of salty air, listening to the hushed waves crashing down at the shoreline. I go back inside, shower, and call my mom. Thankfully, she has airline miles I can use so neither Candi nor I have to pay for the flight. I got lucky and managed to get the last available seat on the plane.Reminder: bring emergency medicine, Nicco won’t be there to help you.I can cover my food and I know I can sleep in Candi’s bed. All in all, not bad for a last-minute trip to Hawaii. I text Candi to let her know we’re on.
Still sitting at my computer, I see my Word document, minimized at the bottom of the screen, with the few questions I started writing for my interview with Nicco. I get up from my chair, walk around to the back of it, and lean over it, looking at the little W icon at the bottom of the screen, taunting me. Straightening back up, I cross my arms and pace behind the chair, eyeing my computer screen, practically staring down the W. Nope, I can’t do it. I have to get out of this. But, I can’t. I tried. He won’t let me. Ugh.
I give the W my best evil-eye and go to the kitchen to make a late lunch. Once I finish eating, I continue avoiding writing the questions by making my priority washing the dishes.This is ridiculous. I’m being ridiculous. I’m a professional author for goodness sakes.I settle in at my computer and maximize the document to type up the rest of my questions. I don’t have much so far.
What got you interested in acting?
What’s your favorite song on your album?
Who do you want to do a movie with?
What’s your favorite food?
Do you have a favorite tattoo? What’s the meaning of it?
