Summer Ever After

“Yes, sailor. I am. I’m slipping these silky buttons through their tight little holes on my blouse and unzipping my skirt.”

“You’re being a naughty tease, stop it.” I’m groaning on my side of the phone line, imagining her doing exactly that. “What color is it?” I can’t stop myself from asking.

“Navy and gray. Just like your boat logo.” The thought of her wearing my colors, my anything really, makes me hard. I have to adjust myself sitting at the counter on the barstool. Grumbling, I wait for her to slowly continue.

“Perfect. Now slip back the sheets on your bed and get in.”

“It’s cold.”

“Baby, I’m going to warm you up. Now give my avocado a kiss goodnight and put it on the nightstand. It goes wherever you go.”

“This thing is going to mush in like two days, you know.” I can sense her smile is back, and for tonight, that will have to be enough for me.

“It probably will, but that’s okay. Mushy fruit seems to be our thing. Now put you head back on the pillow.”

“That’s so not sexy, Roman.”

Her sarcasm is sorely missed, and I bark with laughter. I make a mental note to have a local grocer near her deliver an avocado every day we’re apart. “It wasn’t meant to be. Close your eyes and tell me how you are getting back and forth to work tomorrow?” My little smartass.

“Taxi,” she mumbles through a yawn.

“No good. I don’t trust random drivers. I’ll have a car service for you waiting, no arguments, Hollywood. Give me your address.” She murmurs off an address and I remind myself to double check by sending an email to Maddie to see if the address is correct.

“S’okay.” She drifts off. She needs the sleep to recharge after all of the bad news she’s had to deal with.

Holding the phone close to my ear, listening to her gentle puffs of breath through the receiver, I tell her, “I sp

ank disobedient brats.”

“Mmm-hmm…You’ve yet to follow through.” She’s quiet and her voice tapers off.

“Sleep tight. I’ll take care of what I can.” My hand clenches, all this talk of spanking her golden skin has me thinking of lots of things I’d like to do next time I see and hold her.

“Love you,” she mumbles, surprising me. Her breathing slows and she’s asleep. I click off the phone, relieved she’s at least safe in her place and in a bed.

Resting the phone against my forehead, wishing osmosis worked through phones, I whisper, “Love you too, Abigail Holliday. I’ve come to love you so damn much.” I practice the words out loud to my empty loft, wishing she could hear me say them face to face.

Chapter Sixteen

ABIGAIL

Waking up groggy sucks. Yesterday, sucked. Missing Roman is the suckiest. I know, for a lawyer, my use of the English language is abysmal. Super sucky, so sue me. I push myself up from the bed, kicking the sheets back. It’s only six thirty in the morning, but I have to get a hustle on if I’m going to make it to the office on time, so I can get out of there by one o’clock and head over to my sister’s. The perk of working for my dad is I’m going to abuse the long lunch policy, and if he doesn’t like it, he can fire my ass. I’m pretty sure he’d pass me up for a partner promotion anyway, so I’m not really losing out. Am I a brat? Sure, but I have to sleep with my decisions at night.

Staggering to my shower, I jump in and clean up. I almost forgo shaving my legs since Roman isn’t here to see them, but this is LA and I don’t wear stockings to the office, ever. That’s where I subtly rebel. Getting out, I grab a box near the closet labeled: work attire. Ripping it open, I grab the first thing on top. It’s wrinkled beyond repair at this hour, so I stuff it back in going into the kitchen instead. I check my coffeemaker and decide I’ll just call the cab company and get things moving. Checking my phone, I’ve already got two text messages.

Roman: Good Morning, Hollywood. Expect a car waiting for you at 7 a.m. Vinnie will take you to work and wherever you need to go. He also brings coffee. xoxo

Roman is way on top of things from hundreds of miles away. Sighing, I feel special and loved by his thoughtfulness. The next message is not so much love and more like fear and loathing.

Ex-Lucas the Loser / Unfortunate Co-worker: Abs, we have a meeting at 8 a.m. Don’t be late, dress appropriately. Dad’s words, not mine, and grab me coffee on your way in at that bakery we used to go to.

Asshole.

He isn’t getting coffee, let alone as a favor from me. Shaking my head, I continue to get ready. I’ve only got a few things in my closet still, which reminds me I’ll have to find out where the rest of my crap is being stored. I find a silk pink camisole and an ivory cardigan I can wear with the navy skirt again. Works for me and it’s changed up enough I doubt any sane and reasonable person will notice.

Stepping outside my apartment, I see a man who waves me over. He’s stocky looking, wearing a slightly mussed suit. A scar mars the right side of his face, but it’s tempered with a smile. It must be Vinnie parked and waiting for me. “Good morning, Ms. Holliday. Coffee and a snack.” He hands me a cup of coffee, which looks like my favorite bakery label from around the corner and a brown paper sack.

“Thanks. You didn’t have to.” He opens the door and I get in the back of the car, setting my coffee in a cup holder.