Dear Heart, I Hate You

The last day’s schedule was light, mostly opportunities for us to ask questions, mingle, and network. Trying to focus on all three tasks, I hoped to bring something helpful back to my office in Malibu. If my boss, Jonathan, deemed this trip a total waste of time, he’d most likely never let me attend a conference like this again. And to be honest, it had been fun to get away and meet new people.

I spotted Robin mingling in the sparse crowd before she saw me, and prepared myself for her onslaught of questions. Our other two friends, Kristy and Sue, had left yesterday, so Robin and I were the only ones left from our group.

Her face lit up and she hurried over to me. “There you are.”

“Here I am.”

When I played nonchalant, she swatted my arm. “How was last night? Tell me something that will get me through the next month with my husband.” She put her hands together as she pleaded. “I beg you—lie if you have to.”

With an uncomfortable laugh, I said, “He’s fantastic.” It was a lame response, but wasn’t sure how else to describe Cal, or what I should say.

“In bed?” she said hopefully. “Please follow that up with ‘in bed.’”

“I’m sure he is.” I grinned. “But I wouldn’t know.”

“Damn it, Jules. I counted on you,” she said with a huff.

Lowering my eyelashes, I pretended to be upset. “I’m sorry I let you down.”

“You should be,” she scolded before laughing loudly. “Will you see him before you leave? Do you need a ride to the airport?”

I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face, and Robin’s eyes widened.

“Oh my gosh! He’s taking you, isn’t he?” When I nodded, she said, “Then I’ll want another full report. Don’t think just because you’re going back to California that you don’t have to keep me up-to-date. I expect e-mails.”

“You got it,” I promised.

Actually, I was excited at the idea of e-mailing Robin about Cal. I knew that she’d make me laugh and encourage me to be brave when it came to him, not that I would need it. Normally I wouldn’t be all gung-ho about a guy like this, but my usual attitude had all but left the building when I sat down at Cal’s table the other night.

My phone buzzed with several notifications in quick succession, and I pulled it from my pocket. When I saw the dark blue smiley face, I couldn’t get the text app open fast enough.

Dream Lips: When can I come get you?

Dream Lips: Now? How about now?

Dream Lips: Are you done yet? Jules!

My insides warmed as I smiled.

“Is that from him?” Robin asked. “You should see your face right now.”

I didn’t need to see my face; of course I looked crazy. There was no way I couldn’t, considering how I felt.

My heart raced, beating in double-time as I composed a response to his message.

Jules: I’m ready anytime. Say the word.

Dream Lips: Word.

I stashed my phone in my pocket and pulled Robin into a hug. “I’m going to go hang with him until I leave. It was so nice meeting you, Robin. You’re hilarious.”

“It was nice meeting you too, sweetie. Don’t forget that I need to live vicariously through you. If you don’t send me e-mails, I’ll harass the living shit out of you and call your boss,” she threatened.

Laughing, I shook my head. Robin from Boston was crazy.

Moving a little quicker than usual, I headed to the front desk and handed the concierge my ticket. As she disappeared to get my things, I tapped on the counter, impatient to get going.

As I was rolling my luggage toward some empty chairs, Cal appeared at my side and took my suitcase off my hands.