Page 17 of Time Loops & Meet Cutes
“We have,” I say. “Cam, right? Cameron?”
“Actually, it’s short for ‘Canmore.’?”
I’ve never heard of someone with that name before, but I know it’s a town in Alberta. “Did your parents, um, name you after the place where you were conceived?”
I cover my face with my hands after saying that.
You see? This is why I don’t try to pick up random guys. I get tongue-tied and end up saying the least appropriate thing.
Cam laughs. “I hope not. They just said they looked at a map of Canada for inspiration.” He pauses. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name.”
“Noelle.”
“Nice to meet you. Again.”
There’s an awkward pause, and then I say, “You’re a journalist, right?”
“No, you must have me mixed up with someone else.”
“Ah, I remember now. Secret billionaire.”
“And you’re the heiress?” He winks at me.
That wink pins me to the spot. I think he’s flirting? What do I say now? I’m so disarmed by that easy smile, the way he’s lightly resting his arm against the counter. He’s only a few inches taller than me, so when he leans, we’re about the same height. That dimple—yes, he has a dimple—is almost right in front of my face.
“Where have we met before?” he asks. “It’s strange that I can’t remember.”
I don’t know how to answer. How am I supposed to think straight? I thought he was fairly attractive before, but now, I swear there’s a goddamn sparkle in his eyes, and it’s bewitched my brain.
“Order thirty-two?”
I grab my drink. “Sorry, got to catch my private jet!”
I run out the door in an undignified manner totally unbefitting of an heiress. (I don’t know any heiresses, but I’m making an educated guess here.)
At home, I decide I’m not ready for this flirting business.
I need to do more research.
Before continuing with Julia Roberts’s catalogue, I read a bunch of articles, none of which I find helpful.Ticket to Paradiseis similarly useless, seeing as Cam and I weren’t previously married.
Notting Hill, however, is quite intriguing. I could play Hugh Grant’s part, despite the lack of travel bookshop. I’ll just spill bubble tea all over Cam, then invite him to my apartment, where I’ll make slightly awkward conversation—I think I have that part down pat—and he’ll kiss me.
The “back to my apartment” part is a bit problematic, as I don’t live all that close to the bubble tea shop, but it’s worth a try, isn’t it? Some more movie research suggests that a little physical altercation isn’t uncommon.
I text Avery.
ME: Have you dumped Joe?
AVERY: Not yet. I’d rather dye my hair purple, but I should try doing it. I know it might not be permanent, but if it’s the thing that gets me out of the loop, it WILL be permanent, and that’s scary.
ME: You deserve better than him. Are you concerned about your living situation? Is that what’s stopping you?
AVERY: Yeah, if I get out of this relationship and June 20, I have no family to stay with. My dad’s in Winnipeg and my mom’s not an option.
ME: If you do get out, you can live with me until you find a place.
I send the text without really thinking about what I’m offering. I’ve lived alone for years. I’m used to living alone… but I don’t take back my words.
