Page 60 of Forever Fascinating

“Not really…” he laughed easily. “I’ve had a headache for nearly a week and the movie was extremely loud in places.”

“What?” she exclaimed. “Are you okay?”

“Turns out I broke my nose, and it was packed with gauze almost to my sinus cavity. They took out some of the packing today and both my black eyes are finally fading. I’ve looked like a raccoon for a week.”

“Omigosh!Are you okay?”she repeated emphatically.

“Yeah, just dumb guy-stuff…” he said, sounding embarrassed. “Long story for another time because my calling card is going to run out of minutes.”

“But youareokay?” she stressed.

“Yes.”

“I hope you took a photo to show me later on?” she teased immediately to break some of the tension and set him back on his heels.

“You know it,” he chuckled. “I’ll show you in person because I want to see your reaction. I was a mess and I think some of the team felt bad for me. Now, let’s talk about plane tickets before I run out of time.”

Jana hesitated, opening another window on her computer quickly, her hands shaking.

“Yes,” she began nervously. “I found a ticket from Kabul that leaves at six pm in the evening if that gives you enough time to get to the airport and through security…”

“That’s perfect,” he replied, interrupting her. “I’m worried we are going to run out of time on my card. Do what you think is best and we’ll make it happen. I will get there about midnight or one in the morning. What time does your flight get in?”

“It arrives about midnight too… but you’ll lose an hour or so because of time zones. I’ll have a chance to sleep on the flight over.”

“I’ll be fine and probably just go to bed early that night or take a nap in the afternoon. Don’t worry about me.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ll try to take a nap on the flight, too. We’ll just figure it out. I would rather get there late the 14thso we have as much time together as possible… as long as you don’t mind that?”

“Not at all. I was thinking the same.”

“Perfect… and I’ve gotta go, darling. I’ll reply to my emails in the next few days and try to call you again in a few weeks. April will be here before we know it. I can’t wait to see you again.”

“Same here. I can’t wait to see you.”

Before Matthew could say anything else – the line went dead. She knew the calling card was out of minutes. Smiling tearfully, she held up her flute of bubbly and made a silent toast to the air.

“Matthew called me at midnight. He actually rang in the New Year with me - from across the globe… and if that isn’t special? I don’t know what is! Cheers, my sweet Bunt-boy,” she whispered aloud. “We are going to have a beautiful year, darling.”

Going back to her email she had started, Jana smiled.

* * *

I was writing this because…I was missing your voice terribly and then you called. Have I mentioned that I think you are the best person I’ve ever met? I hope the next few months pass quickly.

Your forever date…

Jana

CHAPTER16

JANA

January passed slowly…complete with a blizzard that had her snowed in for two days and working up a sweat to dig her car out of the driveway when it finally stopped blowing. She was certainly ready for spring – for more than one reason.

The weather – and Matthew.

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