Page 89 of Crash
Pulling out my mobile, I pressed her number, hoping she didn’t mind that I was calling before nine. It rang about six times, and just as I thought it was going to voicemail, she answered.
“Violet? Is that you?” said Josie in her perky voice.
“Hey,” I said. “I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time.”
“No way! It’s been way too long, girl. How are you?”
“Okay, I guess. I’ve actually got a favor to ask you.”
“Shoot.”
“I’m coming to Sydney, and I want to meet up with Lincoln, but I don’t know where he’s staying.”
“He’s at the QT on Market Street,” she said. “Does he know you’re coming?”
“Nope. It’s kinda a surprise.” I squirmed on my seat, a little too pleased with myself than was proper.
“How romantic!” she exclaimed.“Do you want me to book a room for you?”
“No, it’s okay. I’m booking it all now.”
“He’s got a press conference tomorrow morning at ten, but you’re welcome to come along.”
“Press conference?”
“Yeah, to announce his return to the AUFC after his injury. He’s got to promote his first fight back. Everyone’s workedthemselvesup over it. The media, Lincoln, Coach Miller, everyone.”
“He’s got a fight already?” I asked, wondering why he hadn’t told me.
“He didn’t say anything?” Josie exclaimed. “That boy. I’ll kill him. Listen, it only really happened yesterday, so I’m sure he was planning to call you. Things get crazy pretty fast around these parts.”
“Sure.” No use dwelling on it, I supposed. I’d ask him tonight.
“Hey, I can meet up with you at the airport if you like and give you a ride into town,” Josie went on. “I can swipe another keycard to his room, and you can be there to meet him when he gets out of training.”
I thought about it for a moment, and at the thought of seeing his face when he walked in, I was sold.
“Sounds great,” I replied.
“When’s your flight?”
“Hang on a sec,” I replied as I scrolled through the website and selected the best available. “Got one that lands at four forty-five this afternoon.”
“Perfect,” Josie said. “Linc leaves at about six, and I’ll make sure he goes straight back to the hotel.”
I watched as the website took my booking and charged the money to my card.Shit, I was really doing this.
“You and Linc, huh?” Josie asked.
“Yeah.” I smiled, imaging her leaning in to hear all the gossip. She was a sucker for a juicy story.
“Good for you.” There was a rustle and the sound of something slamming on the other end of the line. “Listen, I’ve gotta run, but I’ll be there waiting for you when you land.”
“Thanks, Josie. I really appreciate it.”
“No problems.” She let out an excited squeal before saying, “I’m so excited to see you!”
Sinking back in my chair, I smiled to myself as I read over the flight itinerary. “Me too.”
