“No. I’m taking you out for lunch today,” I say as I get in my Jeep.
“Umm, since when?”
“Since now.”
She goes quiet and then sighs. “Jett, you need to move on and find someone else. We have nothing in common.”
“Bullshit.”
“Okay, tell me what you love to do when you’re not making music.”
“Anything outdoor. Jet skiing, surfing, skydiving, camping.”
“I hate the outdoors.”
“What do you love to do?”
“Well, obviously photography, writing, art, going to the movies.”
“I like going to the movies. What kinds of movies do you like?” I’m enjoying this conversation, and I settle back into my seat.
“Romantic comedies, thrillers, and dramas. You?”
“Action but I can do thrillers, too.”
“See, nothing in common.”
I try to find something else. “What kinds of holidays do you like to take?”
“The kind where I can sit by the pool or beach and drink cocktails. Maybe read a book. Let me guess, you love full-on holidays where you never stop.”
“I do, but fuck, it doesn’t mean we can’t go on a date and see where it leads.”
“Why bother starting something we know isn’t going to go anywhere?”
“Bloody hell, Presley, are you always this pessimistic?”
“No, just practical. We’re both busy people and neither of us have the time to put into this.”
I make a decision and turn the keys in the ignition. “You’d be surprised what I have the time for, sweetheart.”
“I’ve gotta go, Jett.”
“We’ll talk soon,” I say, and end the call.
I immediately dial another number. Presley’s got no idea what she’s in for.
***
Forty minutes later, I park my car outside her apartment. She lives in Kangaroo Point, not far from where my apartment in the city is. It’s a gorgeous area, close to the river. I exit the car and squint in the sun. It’s hot in Brisbane today, just the way I love it. I reach for the coffee I bought her and head up to her apartment. I’m wondering if she’ll buzz me in the front door, but as I arrive at it, someone is leaving and he lets me in before the door shuts behind me. Too easy, meant to be.
I take the lift up to her floor, and a coup
le of moments later, I knock on her door.
She answers it and surprise covers her face. “Jett. What are you doing here?” She sounds unsure of herself, and I know I’ve made the right decision. Presley wants me as much as I want her.
I hold out her coffee, and she takes it with hesitation.