Page 53 of The Final Draft

I give him my best morning smile and take his hand. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”

“I’ll take good care of them,” Julian says from behind Zac.

Zac scoffs and turns his attention back to me. “By the way, thanks for keeping my reputation alive.” He puts me in aheadlock and rubs my scalp with his knuckles. I’m laughing too hard to push away, but I see movement out of the corner of my eye.

“What reputation is that?” I laugh as I try to wiggle out of his grip.

He releases me and I notice Julian’s hand is on Zac’s shoulder. A gentle warning. He drops his hand when I’m free.

“You told that puck bunny I rubbed my noodle every night,” he says with a glimmer in his eye. “I told her how much you love my noodle, and her friend left me without a satisfying end.” At that statement, I punch him in the stomach, hard. I pull my hand away and shake it out. It’s like hitting a brick wall. His laughter fills the kitchen. “CJ, I thought you learned the last time.” He pulls me in again, kisses my head, and walks past me, headed to the bedrooms.

Noodle circles around my feet, signaling he’s ready to go out. I reach for his leash, and Julian puts a cup in my hand instead.

“Here, I got this for you. I remember you don’t drink coffee and felt hot chocolate was a little too much in the morning, so I gambled on tea.”

“Thank you.” I inhale the comforting aroma of Earl Grey tea and sigh. There’s a hint of lavender and milk. How did he guess a London Fog is my favorite morning drink?

Julian gathers Noodle’s leash and clips it to his collar. “I’ll take him out while you pack up. Get everything you need to write, Noodle’s food and necessities, and an overnight bag if you want.” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, and I laugh. “We’ll be back in a few minutes. Come on, Noodle. You’re gonna love Central Park.” He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek, and he and Noodle are out the door while I stand processing my unexpected morning.

I go to my room and grab my laptop, notebook, my favorite pens, and throw them in a large tote. I don’t need much forovernight if it goes that way, but I grab a change of clothes and my travel toiletries just in case. Packing up Noodle takes a little more thought, but I’m done before they return.

“I was a little surprised to see him downstairs when I got home this morning,” Zac plops on the couch.

“Yeah, I bet.”

“Would have thought he’d be in your bed.”

I turn on my heel and give him an are-you-judging-me-look.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he chuckles. “I didn’t give him enough credit. He’s good.”

“What the hell does that mean?” I glance at the half-opened front door. He’ll be back any minute, but I’m curious what Zac means by that comment.

“He’s playing the long game. Admirable but risky.”

“What are you talking about? He’s not playing a game.”

“Sure he is, CJ. I told you, he’s crazy. Hell, he’s even willing to pick up dog shit for you.” He turns the TV on and flips to the sports channel.

“He’s a nice guy, Zac. Maybe you should try it sometime.” I say it with more bite than I mean, but I don’t need him planting doubts in my head. I have enough confusion as it is.

“Hey, I’m a nice guy.” I’ve hit a soft spot and feel a little guilty.

“I don’t think you’re qualified to give relationship advice. I mean, what was her name last night?”

“Henry.”

“What?” I’m confused. I thought for sure he was with another random woman. Not that I’m judging. Well, not exactly.

“We were out at The Great One. Henry met up with that bunny you gave his number to. I was chatting it up with her friend, and Shelley walked in wearing some guy like a second skin.”

“Who’s Shelley?”

“My ex,” he mumbles under his breath as hurt fills his face. My irritation dissipates, and I join him on the couch.

“The dog walker? The one who moved to Brooklyn?” I take his hand in mine and give it a little squeeze.

“Yeah. Maybe I’m not totally over her.” He exhales and looks at me with the saddest expression I’ve ever seen. “I’m not sure if she saw me, but I saw her. I went back to Henry’s and crashed there.” He sighs. “I thought you would have company.” He looks at the completed puzzle on the coffee table from the other night and laughs. “Yeah, he’s good.” I disregard his assessment of Julian. He doesn’t get it.

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