Page 21 of Stroked
“Oh my God, stop hitting me. I can breathe!”
There was a knock on my door.
“Yes?” I yelled across the room.
“Is everything alright, Miss Lindsey? We heard a commotion.” It was the receptionist.
“I’m fine, pasta went down the wrong hole, but it’s fine now. I’ll be out soon.”
James went to sit back down and grabbed his sandwich. “So, her place? Or did you just slide into the ladies’ room at The Lounge? No judgment.” His palms lifted on either side of his head.
I rolled my eyes. He was nosey, but not gossipy. And I was confused. Maybe talking it out with him would help, because Lucy was googly-eyed over Jason and wanted everyone to be in love.
“Okay, I did a stupid thing. She came home with me.” That sent him choking on his sandwich.
I went to stand, and he raised his hand to stop me as he took a drink of water.
“Did you say she was atyourplace? Oh honey, how much did you drink?”
“I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. Actually, I wasn’t thinkingshit. I was feeling. It was like I had no control. I barely know her.” I took another bite of my sandwich since my pasta was now gone.
“She must have been something. Do you think you’ll see her again?” he asked as he took the last bite of his sandwich. How do men eat so fast?
“She wants to come back over, like tonight. But I don’t know.”
“Well, there’s your answer,” he said as he stood and started picking up our trash.
“What do you mean?”
He was wiping crumbs from my desk and handing me a wet wipe.
“If you didn’t want to see her again, you’d know. You always know. We’re making great time on the display. She’s already been there, what’s the harm now?”
He grinned and turned to leave.
I sat there at my desk, replaying what he said. It made perfect sense. It was against everything I would normally do or feel, but he was right. I have always known. The fact I was unsure told me I was, at least, curious. And like he said, she’s already been there. It’s not like she’ll forget where I live, so even if she’s crazy, I’d have to deal with it either way.
I pulled my phone from my bag and sent the text.
Me: Hey, I can be home around eight tonight if you still wanted to come by.
I didn’t expect a reply yet, but I hadn’t even put my phone down when it dinged.
Valentina: I will be there. Hope you are well today. And I hope you are hungry.
Tingles shot through my abdomen. She mentioned bringing dinner, so she was quite possibly being literal, but suddenly, I was hungry for something other than food.
What was I doing? I had to talk to Lucy.
Me: I texted her. She’s coming over tonight.
Luce: OMG! So exciting! I expect details tomorrow.
Me: Is this a bad idea? I don’t even feel like myself.
Luce: You’re just nervous because you actually like her. Maybe try to get to know her tonight?
Me: You’re right. It’s fine. And talking. I can do that. Can I do that?
