Page 58 of 7 Miles High
Chapter 19
Parker
“Are you forgetting my mistake, brother? I moved too quickly and ended up minus fifty thousand and one fiancée.”
His sigh travels through the phone.
“Yeah but it was the right thing to do. You can’t compare Natalie to bridezilla. Two different women, James.”
“You’re right, but I’m just urging caution. Don’t take any sudden trips to Vegas.”
“I didn’t say I was going to ask her tomorrow. I just said I feel, no I know, that she’s the one. The one Iwantto marry. Eventually. There’s a distinction.”
“Have you said you love her? Has she said it to you?”
I pause for a few beats.
“Not yet. But I’ve thought about it for weeks. And I know she feels the same way. It’s going to happen soon.”
“Well, good luck, brother. May the force be with you.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t put up with any crap like I did and you’ll be alright. That was my fatal mistake. The first time she showed me her true nature I should have ended it. Our real selvesalwaysend up coming out.”
“I’ll keep it in mind. But as far as Natalie goes James, what I’ve seen is her real self. I’m sure of it.”
After our conversation I go over what James advised. Then I immediately reject it. You can stuff all other men’s suggestions about my love life. I’ve never needed help in that department. And especially not with Natalie.
I’ll call, see if she’s got everything ready for the trip. The prospect of living together for three weeks has become all I can think about. Practice.
I tap her name and she answers on the first ring.
“Are you as happy as I am? Won’t be long now, babe,” I say.
“Yes! Can you tell? My voice just rose two octaves with the question!”
“What time is your flight?”
“Twelve twenty. I’ll text you when we land and I’m on my way to the hotel.”
“Great. I’ll check in and go to the Production office. I’ve got to sign my contract and pick up per-diem before the location scout.”
She giggles. “I love that movie talk!”
“Natalie.”
“Yes Parker?”
“I just wanted to say your name.”
I hear the intake of her breath, and I’m hoping there’s a smile accompanying it.
* * *
The first few steps outside the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport reminded me why people here stay indoors a lot. It’s fucking hot. Today’s high of ninety-nine will pass into tomorrow’s one hundred three. Every day for the next three weeks will hover around that.
As I walk into the Dallas Hyatt I’m checking off my list of things I need to do before Natalie arrives. First things first. I grab my cell.
