Page 46 of What I'm Looking For

KATE

When I get home Friday night after babysitting for my neighbor—I couldn’t say no because she’s been feeding Frankie for me when I’ve been out of town on work trips—it’s too late to get myself dolled up to go see Will at the bar. At this rate, it’ll be years before I see him again.

“Mrrrow.” Frankie jumps up on the hall table to greet me, pushing his head under my hand as I drop my keys and bag next to him.

“Hello, my sweet boy.” I kiss him on the nose. “At least you don’t have a crazy schedule. You are always available. Shall we go snuggle on the couch and watch?—” I check the time. “Ugh. The news. Maybe I’ll read a book. But first, a glass of wine.”

When I open my fridge, a half bottle of white zinfandel makes me laugh. “How will I ever tell Will that I actually like this stuff?”

Scanning the kitchen counters for my book, I notice a blinking light on the answering machine and my heart skitters in anticipation. It’s a nice change of pace to be excited to listen to my messages.

BEEP. Friday, 6:25 p.m.

Hi Kate, it’s Mom. Just checking to make sure that you got the wedding invitation from your cousin and that you’ve got it on your calendar.

There’s a short pause. When she continues, her southern-accent-that-she-doesn’t-think-she-has deepens.

I don’t suppose you’ll be bringing a date, but if you’re planning to, please let us know and we’ll work out the sleeping arrangements. Okay. Love you, sweetheart. What? Oh, your dad says hi and wants you to call him about that stock—What was it, honey? I can’t understand you. Well, you call her then. Your father will call you over the weekend. Okaayy. Love you. Bye!

I slump to the living room. I’vemaybebeen daydreaming about bringing Will to the wedding. Picturing us dancing the night away and him charming all my relatives. With the way things are going, though, that’ll likely remain a fantasy. Finally finding the paperback I started months ago under a pile of printouts on the coffee table, I flop onto the couch.

“Frankie!”

He chirps as he trots in. A less attractive noise escapes when he hauls himself up onto the couch. Just part of his charm.

Purring cat next to me, wineglass in one hand, juicy novel in the other. “This is the kind of Friday night I like best. Right, Frankie?”

Better than staying late at work, at least.

Chapter12

BEEP. Saturday, 6:47 a.m.

It’s Alice. I’m leaving my apartment right now. Promise. Okay, in five minutes. I’ll be there soon. I need a long run today, and I want to hear all about your boy!

KATE

In the final stretch of our run the next morning, Alice grabs my arm when we’re halfway down my block. “Hey.”

My stride falters. “What?” I ask, slowing to a walk. It’s about time for our cooldown, anyway.

“Someone’s on your doorstep. Is that Will?”

“He said he had rehearsal all weekend.” Squinting, I can just make out a figure that looks an awful lot like my favorite actor/bartender. “Maybe that changed.”

“Lucky you.”

I stop walking to wipe my face with my sleeve. “Too bad I’m disgusting right now.”

“Nah, you have a nice healthy glow.”

“Yeah, right.”

What would Will be doing here? Not that I mind. Though I kind of wish he’d disappear and come back after I’ve showered and changed into something nicer. Or at least clean.

Alice grabs my hand and pulls me behind a car. Peering around the side view mirror, she whispers, “He’s just as cute in person.”

“I know. What does he see in me?”

---