Page 52 of Love Beyond the Illusion
Jack: You’re right. This bed is way better than the couch.
He’s lying on his back with the photo taken from above. He has a plain white T-shirt on, and his other arm is covering his face, exposing only his delicious lips. I rub my thumb along my bottom lip, remembering the sensation of his tongue gliding across it.
Me: Don’t get too comfortable. I’m coming back.
Jack: I know, in eight days.
Is he counting? I hold my phone closer to my face to make sure I’m reading his text correctly.
Me: Yeah, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the time by yourself until then.
Jack: I don’t mind you here. It’s been sort of lonely since you left.
Cue the butterflies. I reread that one sentence three times before writing him back.
Me: I don’t believe you.
Jack: I’m serious. I started getting used to your healthy food and the smell of lavender shampoo in the shower.
He’s being sarcastic, but I let myself enjoy his words anyway.
Me: If I’m being honest, it has been a little lonely for me too.
Jack: When do you fly out for work?
Me: Tomorrow is the first day of my three-day leg. Then I’m home for two and fly back out for three.
Jack: Where are you headed to first?
A quick thought of why Jack is messaging halts my happiness. He’s talking to me because he’s lonely, not because he wants to. I still indulge for the moment. I roll off my bed and sprint to the kitchen to grab my schedule from the calendar on the fridge.
Me: Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Bahamas, New York, Denver, Phoenix.
Jack: Busy.
Me: Yes. How was your day? Did you go to the winery?
Jack: I did, and my day was okay. Worked a little in my dad’s office. Edward was a big help. He told me to tell you hello.
I glance around my room, oddly feeling out of place here. I should be there with Jack. He would have needed my support. I hope it wasn’t too hard for him.
Me: That’s sweet. Tell him I said hello back. How did you feel about being in your dad’s office?
Jack: That’s a loaded question. It was challenging and emotional but also therapeutic.
I start to text him back but realize the time. I’m going to be late. I have to meet the girls atThe Poppyrestaurant in fifteen minutes. I start gathering my stuff, haphazardly shoving it all into my purse, then head out and lock the door behind me. I text Jack back on the way to my car.
Me: I’m glad. I’m meeting Bailey, Avery, and Lina for dinner and drinks at The Poppy tonight, so I won’t be able to text back for a while.
Jack: That restaurant project was a lot of fun to work on. Have a good night.
Me: You too.
I hate that our conversation is cut short. I could have kept the texts going while I was on my way to the restaurant and even through dinner, but Jack deserves my attention and will get nothing less.
A short time later, the bright, illuminating letters ofThe Poppyare visible as I exit the freeway. Pulling into the parking lot, I’m so excited to see my best friends. Squeezing through the busy bar area, I head out to our favorite table in the back of the patio.
“You’re here!” Bailey stands and extends her arms for a hug. Avery and Lina, sitting around the table, do the same.
