Page 42 of Forever Fascinating

Yeah.

That had not been her finest moment. She’d stood up from the table, immediately throwing her napkin that she’d unfolded and had placed in her lap not a second before, and was done the moment the moron had opened his mouth.

“I’ll have the veal and she’ll have the lasagna, because we’ll be making some sweet dessert later tonight and my girl needs to carb-load heavily before a hard workout.”

It was so blatantly disgustingly sexist – that she’d sworn off dating men for almost a year because she was so soured on the entire thing.

There was no Prince Charming, no fairytale romances, and certainly no happily-ever-after… or so she thought, until she saw Karen and Jace together at Thanksgiving.

It was part of the reason she’d teased her brother so much about his relationship with Karen. She was jealous – literally pea-green with envy – because her goody-two-shoes brother had found the girl of his dreams.

While she was happy for them? She’d also thought that ‘Saint Jace’ had finally tarnished his crown by sneaking out of Karen’s room… only to hear that the whole thing was innocent, and her brother just wanted to hold his beloved girlfriend close for a while.

Then the twerp went and married Karen – promising to renew their vows in a year, before God.

Every time she saw them together, Jace and Karen, the two were obviously in love. The smiles, the looks, the way they held hands, it was just like they were completely smitten… and Jana wanted someone to care for her like that.

She thought perhaps developing a friendship, emailing someone would give her a chance to get to know the real person… only she was seriously not interested in X-Ray in the slightest.

He was kind, slightly boring, and just not her cup of tea. If they had gone out on a date, instead of becoming pen pals and friends, she wouldn’t have called him back… ever.

It wasn’t him – it was her.

… And then she went to the wedding.

Those looks, that little inconspicuous wave, the tell-tale glances, and the way Matthew just seemed to know what to say when they were outside, making her yearn for more… and the moment he crossed the room to make sure she would get to dance at her brother’s wedding?

She was a goner.

It was the chase, the challenge, the way he didn’t back down from a fight, but rather charged headlong into it, that was intriguing. It was like they were both equally misfits, had clasped each other’s hands, and were leaping over whatever ‘cliff’ this was, together.

Hitting reply, she held her breath and typed nervously, realizing she was jumping headfirst… again.

* * *

Soooo Bunt-boy,

I’m on my way home from work and just got your email, which made me think of a lot of things… crazy things… and I thought I would just come right out and ask.

You mentioned travel and meeting again when you were here – what did you have in mind? What exactly would that look like?

I’ve texted Emily to see if she has a photo of the pregnant woman for you to pass along to your friend. If so, I will send it separately so you can forward it.

Get some rest, Bunt-boy.

I’m going to cut this email short because I’ve got a lot spinning in my mind at reading your email and need to process it. I’m going to head home shortly after doing mundane adult things like dropping off dry cleaning, picking up groceries, and junk.

I hope you sleep well – and I really miss your smile.

Until next time,

Jana

* * *

Hours later,Jana lugged in the groceries and put them away, while warming up a kettle on the stove. She was settling back into normal life and hated to say that she did not miss that infernal glue gun in the slightest after burning herself repeatedly on it.

Emily had come through and saved the day – texting her a photo of the beautiful pregnant woman in the blue dress.

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