Page 29 of The Final Draft

I can’t hide my amusement at his over-the-top gesture.

It reminds me of JB and his instalust thrill of the chase. Is that what’s going on here? Is it the chase? If that’s the case, he’llhave to work for it. I don’t want to be easy prey. After all, the chase is fun for me too.

Zac clears his throat. Agh! I forgot he’s still in the room. It’s really sweet that he’s concerned but also none of his business what I do. Another conundrum.

“What’s wrong with you?” My attempt at leaving it vague, maintaining a cool demeanor, is difficult considering I’m as giddy as a Swiftie on a new album release day.

Zac responds with another grunt.

“Sorry, I don’t understand caveman,” I respond with a little edge in my voice. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.” I throw his attitude right back at him. Two can play at this game. He needs to either tell me what’s on his mind or move on.

“I told you, CJ. I don’t trust him.” He’s told me that, and I don’t understand why.

“Is it him or anyone I might go out with? Just trying to figure out the context here.”

Zac comes over and sits on the edge of the bed, keeping one foot on the floor, the other tucked under him as he turns and looks at me.

“Look, I know how guys think. Remember what I told you about you being different? You’re a beautiful, sweet girl, and trust me, this is the tip of his level of crazy.” He looks at the flowers and shakes his head.

“It’s not like that,” I mumble.

“CJ, it’s exactly like that. I’m not going to be around much now that the season’s starting, and well, promise me you’ll be careful. I can’t pick up the pieces of your broken heart when I’m not here.”

Zac is a sweetheart, and I swoon a little at his concern for my heart. His stoic hockey-player persona put aside as he worries for me. I put my hand to his cheek, the scruff of his soft beard tickling my hand. The unease fills his eyes as he watches my facefor a sign of distress. I peer into his deep brown eyes, offering a hesitant smile as my cheeks flush slightly. Hopefully, it’s enough to ease his apprehension about Julian.

“Thank you. You don’t have to worry about me, but I appreciate it. Worrying about me isn’t in the roommate agreement.” I’m touched by his concern, but I’m a big girl. I can handle this.

He nods quickly and leaves. I need to respond to Julian, and I’m trying to be logical and not spiral into overthinking this. Julian’s pursuit has my brain scrambled.

I open my laptop and stare at the chapter I’ve struggled to finish. Would Gavin Snow make an elaborate gesture like send a humongous display of flowers or buy a phone because Charlotte didn’t respond to a text? I’ll test the waters. Is Julian a typical man when it comes to the chase? I’ll ask JB.

PRISCILLA: Would Gavin do something outrageous to get Charlotte’s attention? If so, give me an idea.

Noodle moves to my lap while I wait to see if JB is online.

“I know, buddy. I’m curious what he’ll say too.” My hand rubs his ears, the soft fur calming my anxiety.

The floral arrangement on my dresser is so captivating that I can’t help but be drawn to the beauty and intricate details. I focus my attention on the flowers while I wait for JB to respond. There must be at least two dozen peonies in this monstrosity of an arrangement in every shade of pink. Flowers that vary from exotic to simple surround them, but they all come together to create the most elaborate and beautiful display I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t look like it should work, but it does. It’s interesting, layered, complex, and I wonder if that’s the point. Sometimes it’s not supposed to work, but it does.

My computer dings, and Noodle and I startle at the sound. He gets up and moves to the foot of the bed, forgoing the snuggles for peace and quiet. I’m eager to read his response, my heart racing with anticipation.

JB: Depends on the definition of outrageous. He gets paid to play a game that involves a hard piece of rubber flying at a high rate of speed while having sharp blades strapped to his feet balancing on a sheet of ice. What Charlotte might see as outrageous, he might see as reasonable. Perspective and motivation are everything, don’t you agree?

I let out a little exhale. Not the answer I was expecting, but a thoughtful one. Maybe my imagination is getting the better of me. JB isn’t Julian, after all. My author brain is taking over my reality brain. There’s no way Julian would write romance novels. I chastise myself for thinking life is like a romance book. It’s not. I need to reign in my crazy a bit.

Time to get back to work. Perspective and motivation. What is Gavin’s perspective and motivation with Charlotte? What’s Julian’s perspective and motivation with me? Zac seems to think it’s because I’m different. Is it about the chase? Is the playboy ready to change his ways? Perspective. Motivation. I close my eyes and contemplate what would motivate a man to send such an extravagant arrangement of flowers because of an unanswered text.

My computer dings again, breaking me out of my confusing thoughts.

JB: But maybe he’d send her a new phone because she doesn’t respond to a text. He’s desperate for her to say yes. Is that outrageous?

I close my eyes and count to ten.

PRISCILLA: Yes.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

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