Page 62 of Forever Fascinating

“Afghanistan,” Jana smiled sadly. “I’m going solo today and wasn’t expecting this at all. I’ll have to take a photograph and email it to my guy so he can see it.”

“Tell him that he madetwoladies happy today,” Mrs. Wilton smiled, patting her on the hand. “Thank you, dearie.”

“I will and thank you for keeping them warm.”

Once her neighbor was gone, Jana picked up the card and opened it, reading the typed print that was a little off-center on the paper.

For my sweetest rose…

We have 58 days left until I can see your beautiful smile and hug you.

Yours truly,

Matthew

Jana took a photo of the roses and emailed them to him.

* * *

My sweetest BBB,

I am melting in my slippers right now and so touched. The roses are breathtakingly beautiful and smell absolutely divine.

And the card? – That was my most favorite part of all!

I’m counting down the days, too. I miss your smile, the way your eyes looked at me when we danced, and can’t wait to hold your hand.

I’m realizing now that we could have gone anywhere, seen any place, and I would feel the exact same way. I’m so happy we met.

Happy Valentine’s Day, darling.

Always,

Your favorite dance partner and forever date

* * *

March wasa flurry of emails or quick phone calls between Matthew and Jana, finalizing some last-minute details and reaching out to anyone who could put a snag in her business plans. She missed him terribly and felt this emptiness inside of her, wanting to see his smile.

It was insane to think how much had changed. They hadn’t even really kissed or done anything more than hold hands, yet she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

She was trying to make sure that no one had any clue as to what was going on. She emailed her brother just to say ‘hello’, called Karen, and went by her parents’ house to chat for a bit before informing them she had an upcoming conference she was going to attend.

Shopping, packing, rearranging her schedule… she was finally ready.

CHAPTER17

JANA

Athens, Greece

Welcome to Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, and we are so pleased to have you here. Check all flight information on the displays before you and make your way accordingly. Baggage claim and customs are located in plaza A…

Sighing,Jana listened to the recording play for the tenth time, before glancing at the clock on the wall – again.

She was surprised to see that there were still a few people milling about the terminals – even after midnight. Matthew’s flight was on time and scheduled to arrive shortly, giving her time to freshen up.

It was strange at how eerily calm she felt right now.

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