Page 62 of Shape Of My Heart
“Josh, geez,” Hildascolded.
But Josh once again ignored her. He knew what he was talking about. “Well, don’t just stand there, man, state your intentions for my Hilda and I will let her know if you are worthy of herpresence.”
Robin laughed now and Hilda looked up at him with an expression of awe onherface.
“I was hoping to ask her out to dinner,” Robinconfessed.
Hilda looked surprised tohearthat.
Josh nodded. “Okay, isn’t that better? You seem alright and not too shabby. What do you think,Hilda?”
Hilda started to laugh. “I think I would love to go todinner.”
“Cool, thereyougo.”
Robin smiled and left them. Josh shrugged into his jacket and swung his backpack over hisshoulder.
“Thank you.” Hilda still looked at him with gratitude. “I’ve never had anyone do thatforme.”
“You’re most welcome. I have another thing like this tomorrow. Will you come if Amy isstillsick?”
“Of course.” Her eyessparkled.
“Have you heard from her since thismorning?”
He hadn’t managed to call or message back yet because of being here. When the message came through he was already late to leave. He thought he’d have a moment throughout the day but hadn’t had much of abreak.
Hilda shook her head. “I was going to swing by her place tomorrow andseeher.”
“Let’s go together after theshoot.”
He thought he’d call her now, though, because he just wanted to hear her voice. He’d never called herbefore.
Hilda went to gather her stuff as he took out his phone and hit Amy’snumber.
Amy answered on the second ring. “Josh.” Her voicesoundedweak.
“Baby, I miss yousomuch.”
“Hey.” There was a smile in her voice. “I miss you too. Did…um your shoot go okay?” Now her voice sounded shaky. Not like when you were sick, butmorelike…
Worried, scared maybe. Maybe that was just how she sounded when shewassick.
“There were women all over me; I had to fendthemoff.”
There was a long pause, then she breathed into the phone. “Oh,that’sgood.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Did you hear whatIsaid?”
“I think so.” Now he was sure she was crying and alarmstruckhim.
“Amy, baby, are you okay? I was totally joking about thewomen.”
“I’m fine. I should go. My throat really hurts.” Shewascrying.
“Okay baby, I’ll see you soon. Don’t worry about tomorrow if you’restillsick.”
“Thanks.” Yes she was definitely crying and he felt now that something waswrong.
