Thomas & January (Sleepless 2)

“No, it’s a good sign,” my mom said. “It means she’s not over you. This is a very good sign.”

I gulped. “What should I do?” I asked them.

“We go to her.”

“I don’t know where she lives.”

“How is that possible?” Jason asked.

“It never came up!” I seethed.

“Fine, I could get into trouble for this, but I’ll look it up. Be right back.”

Jason left to do his thing and everyone visibly relaxed.

“What should I say to her?”

“Tell her you love her,” Kelly suggested.

“What if she doesn’t want me?”

“Patience, Tom,” Cherry said again. “She does love you. Pride’s getting in the way, for both of you, it seems.”

“Tell her you know she still loves you,” my sister Christina said. “Tell her you know what she did for you. That it’s your proof.”

“Okay,” I said, absorbing it all.

I backed up some more when the women started studying me more closely. “What? You’re making me nervous.”

“Unzip your jacket,” Marty said, “and remove the hood.”

I did as she said.

“Better,” Cherry said, examining me.

“Don’t. That’s it. I’m done. She’ll listen to me regardless of the way I’m dressed.”

“That’s a very good thing,” my mom said, making all the girls laugh.

“I-I, uh, need a moment,” I said, feeling stifled.

I burst into the hall and breathed in the air, running my hands through my hair. I was beginning to suffocate with all the estrogen flowing in that room.

“Just be yourself,” I heard from behind me. Callum.

I was so grateful he’d joined me. “You think?”

“Yeah, just tell her how you truly feel, leave nothing out, trust me about that, and leave the rest up to fate,” he said, leaning his body against the hall wall.

“Thanks,” I told him, running my hands through my hair.

“Anytime.”

“I’ve got it!” Jason yelled down the hall.

Just as suddenly, my office door clicked open and a sea of people came barreling my way. I barely had enough time to react as they ushered me in front of them, pushing me toward the elevator.

“You’re not all coming with me!” I yelled.