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Holly bursts out laughing. “Do you really think he’d mind being used by you Fiona?”
“Come on…you know what I mean. It wouldn’t be fair. I have no interest in him beyond his physique.”
“And the problem with that is?”
“No, Holly. You’re not doing this. Nuh-uh. You’re not gonna talk me into giving a guy hope just so I can have a bedmate. He was interested in me Holly…you know. Like all around.”
“Oh you’re no fun,” she says teasingly.
“Absolutely no fun at all. That’s me,” I concur with an eye roll. “And if he was a woman I wanted to use just for sex, you’d call me a misogynist.”
“Touche.” We finish paying the bills, toss back our last sips of wine, and begin strolling toward the shopping area.
Two pairs of shorts, four floral blouses, and six summer dresses later, we walk toward Yotopia to finish fulfilling our hearts’ desires.
“I’m not trying to bug you, but you do seem kind of quiet today,” Holly interjects between bites of tropical sorbet.
“Really? All that shopping and I still can’t hide my deeper emotions from you?” I ask. “Some poker player I’d make.”
“Come on…what is it?”
I swear Holly knows me better than I know myself. “There’s nothing on my mind…really,” I say before my face broadens into a smile.
“What is it? I see that smile!”
“Seriously, you think you’re so on to me but it’s nothing.”
“What are you smiling about?”
“Just a silly, random thought. The least relevant thought ever.” We’re almost back to our cars and I don’t want to get into this now.
“I saw that face and there’s something you’re not telling me,” she gently continues.
“Get over here.” I pull her in for a hug. “Aren’t you just so happy with all our beautiful selections?”
“I am, we really scored today. Give Quade a hug for me, you rat.”
As we say goodbye and open our car doors, Holly continues to look at me with skepticism. I ignore it and smile mundanely while we pull out and file down the street. I reach to put another podcast on but no longer feel the ambition. After fifteen miles of open highway, I’m unusually serene and content with the silence. My mind is clear, and it naturally settles on the foggy, faceless image of a man’s mouth and the sound of his voice. And then it occurs to me…I’m smiling, again.
Chapter 4
Bo
On stormy nights like this, I love to lie in bed and listen to the sound of the rain smacking against this old shed. I could fire up the electricity and move into the big house, but what would be the point? Ain’t nothin a man needs indoors besides a bed, a bath, and a cookstove. Although I could sure use a more comfortable cot. This one’s gotten too old for me. Or I’ve gotten too old for it, not sure which.
I’m on the brink of driftin into the netherworld when a clap of thunder jars me upright, rattlin the very window panes. My thoughts come on like a water faucet…did I row-cover all the seedlings, did I tarp over the snapdragons, did I finish movin the pots and peat moss flats inside? Check… check…check. Like countin sheep, I’m half asleep again when another strike hits. This time my mind is empty, clear. I watch the shards of moonlit water slappin hard against the glass and allow the sound to hypnotize me. I see a vision, clear as a bell, of her…and a moment later I’m out for good.
Chapter 5
Fiona
After a day of phone calls and paperwork, including a video conference with the American Florist Association, I want nothing more than to slip into a deep, hot tub. But I’d be the queen bitch of the universe if I broke my dinner ‘date’ with Quade, so instead I’m opting for a quick shower and a fresh outfit. He picks me up at seven o’clock sharp and drives the few blocks to Shokai. We pick the quietest spot we can find, a small table tucked into a corner, and order four rolls of sushi.
“You look incredible in that dress,” he mumbles between bites. He’s been eyeing it ever since picking me up, with a look I could only describe as longing.
“Thanks. I bought it when I was out with Holly,” I say stiffly, keeping my eyes to my plate.
“You’ve always been beautiful, Fiona. There’s no way you could wear something like that and not look conspicuous.”
