Page 81 of Craving Francesca

“Scott’s made things really bad at work.” I turned to face her. “It’s gotten so bad that I’m barely sleeping.”

“Frank,” she murmured sadly. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I wanted to handle it on my own.”

“How’s that going?” she asked derisively.

“Not great.”

“Yeah.”

“Gray noticed something was up. He asked if I wanted to go with him. Clear my head and get me out of the shit for a while.”

“That guy’s a dark horse, I swear.”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “He’s pretty easy for me to read most of the time.”

“Well, you’re obviously seeing something that I don’t.”

“He’s different with me.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I laughed. “That sounds bad.”

“I knew what you meant,” Lou said with a small smile. “He actually talks to you.”

“He’s an open book,” I replied with a shrug.

“So, you’re going on a road trip on the back of a motorcycle,” Lou said, taking a deep breath. “How the hell do you pack for that?”

“Very light.”

“You want some help?”

My shoulders slumped with relief. “Yes, please.”

“Then let’s go. You’ve only got an hour and a half.”

“You think that’ll be enough time?” I asked, following her out of the car.

“I figure we’ll grab everything you think you’ll need,” she said as she unlocked the front door. “Then we’ll cut it in half.”

“And then in half again?”

“You got it,” she said, grinning at me over her shoulder.

Forty minutes later I had outfits, a coat, and toiletries laid out on the bed and a pair of boots set on the floor next to it.

“Now cut it in half,” Lou ordered.

I took out two T-shirt and legging outfits.

“No, take the jeans out,” Lou argued. “The leggings will take less space in your bag.”

I switched them.

“What about the dress?” she mused.

“I’m taking it.”

“Okay.” She tapped her finger on her chin. “It doesn’t take up much space, so you’re good there.”

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