Page 29 of Bourbon Bliss
“Michael Morgan,” I said.
She groaned. “Oh, I remember him. Although I don’t think we ever met him, did we?”
“No. He lived in Baltimore and our relationship never progressed to the point of introducing him to family.”
“He was a jackass anyway.”
“What leads you to the conclusion that he was a jackass?”
“He broke up with you, didn’t he?”
“Yes, the choice to end our relationship was his.”
She nodded once. “Then he’s a jackass. Most of ’em are. But I don’t know, June Bug, I think you might have found one of the good ones.”
That made me smile a little, although the pleasant feeling was tempered by the persistent roiling in my stomach.
“I might have to cancel,” I said.
“Why?” Cassidy asked. “What’s wrong?”
“I think I contracted a viral infection. Or perhaps ingested something that was contaminated with harmful bacteria.”
“What makes you think that?”
I pressed my hand to my belly. “I keep experiencing intermittent bouts of stomach upset.”
Cassidy grinned. Why was she smiling? Illness wasn’t an amusing matter.
“Tell me something. When did you first start getting an upset tummy?”
“Eight days ago.”
“Uh huh. And what else happened eight days ago?”
“I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”
“Is it possible that it has something to do with seeing or thinking about a certain tall, attractive football player?”
I was about to refute her claim, but I found that I couldn’t. Every incident of feeling sick coincided with seeing or thinking about George. That was peculiar.
“I’m guessing the look on your face means I’m right,” she said. “I think you have a crush.”
“A crush? I’ve never had a crush before.”
“No?” Cassidy asked. “No one ever made your knees a little weak and butterflies flap their wings all through your tummy?”
“Butterflies couldn’t survive in the acidic environment of the human gut.”
She laughed. “I know, silly. It’s an expression.”
“I realize it’s not literal. I’m just pointing out that—”
“Juney. Stop trying to change the subject.”
I took a deep breath. “Does having a crush mean your stomach feels like it’s turning upside down and your heart beats faster than your level of physical exertion could account for?”
“Yes.”
