Page 16 of Cross My Heart
Lanie
Chapter 7
I’m washing the dishes looking out over the sea. Mimi designed this house so you could appreciate the ocean wherever you are. I have a hard time focusing when there is a view like this.
I finish up my last glass and call Julia. “Hi, Jules,”
“Hey, lady, what’s cooking?” I love this girl, only Julia would ask ‘what’s cooking’.
“My body. It's hot as hell here, and it's only March. Maybe North Carolina wasn’t such a great idea after all. My Irish skin isn’t cut out for this.” I tell her while fanning my face and making my way out to the deck for some ocean breeze.
Jules just laughs. “I saw online it is unseasonably hot there right now, even on the coast.”
Loving the sense of calm I get hearing her voice, I say, “God, I miss your Irish face.”
“I miss your Irish face too. Any word on the job yet?” she asks.
I sigh. It’s been four days and nothing. “No, Mr. Dexter Cross said he would be in touch soon, but it’s been four days. I take that as a sign I didn’t get it. I need to come up with a plan B. I’m going to run out of money sooner rather than later.”
“I can give you money, Lanes, I’ve told you this.”
“And I’ve told you, thank you, but I cannot take your money. I’ll figure it out, I always do.” I insist.
Julia answers quietly, “I know you do.”
“How are you and Char…” my phone beeps, cutting me off.
Mr. Dexter Cross is calling.
“Ship, Jules, I have to go, he’s calling,” I say quickly.
“Okay, Lanes, call me later. Luvs.”
“Luvs to you too,” I say as my finger slips a millisecond too soon.
The voice of Dexter Cross replaces Jules on the other end, confirming I had switched over to his call too soon. “Ah, Ms. Lanie Heart?”
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I was talking to my best friend from home. I was telling her I loved her, too, but must have clicked over to you before I did. I mean, obviously, I don’t love you. That would be crazy. Not that you’re not loveable, but...ah, man. What is wrong with me?”
I hear his rumbling low laugh come through the phone. “Are you done, Ms. Lanie Heart?”
“Yes, Mr. Dexter Cross,” I can't help but push his buttons.
“Just Dex,”he laments.
“Okay, just Dex. Yes, I’m shutting up now,” I respond, unable to keep the embarrassment from my voice.
He laughs again. “Excellent, I’d like to offer you the job. However, there is a lot to talk about, and I’m sort of in a time crunch here. My friends are coming over this afternoon to help with the kids. I was hoping you could come back so we could talk about the details.”
“Ah, today?” I stammer.
“Yes, Lanie, today,” he replies authoritatively.
“Okay, Dex. It’ll take me a while to get there,” I tell him.
“That’s fine. Just text me when you leave so I know when to expect you. Drive safely,” his sultry voice demands.
“I will. See you soon. Oh, Dex?” I challenge.
