CHAPTER 12
LOREN
MOM
I’m so glad you finally got that tooth fixed.
You shouldn’t have waited so long.
Thanksto the emergency root canal two days ago, my jaw feels like it’s been punched. On top of that, the exorbitant cost means I don’t have enough to pay rent at the start of January. Which means I shouldn’t be out to eat right now, but since I’m with Josh, I’m taking full advantage of him picking up the check.
That’s right. We’re talking appetizers ordered under the guise of “sharing,” a full dinner,anddessert. I’m not leaving this table without having to unbutton the top of my jeans.
The best part is, no one will even notice because my loose cream sweater hangs at mid-thigh.
It’s the perfect ruse.
We talked about what happened two weeks ago and he seemed to understand where he went wrong. Unfortunately, we’ve both been so busy with work that we haven’t had time for a do-over. It didn’t help that he decided last minute to visit his parents for Christmas.
Was I bummed that he didn’t invite me? Sure. But this is still the start of our relationship, so maybe it was for the best. At least that’s what I told myself over my takeout turkey dinner.
Part of me missed going back to see my parents for the holidays. Mom suggested I use the Christmas money from my grandma for a flight back home, but I needed it for my tooth so…
Besides, I don’t want to go back until I can prove I’m not a complete failure.
Soon.
The new year is going to bemyyear. The year of Loren Piper. I feel it in my bones.
Josh smiles at me from over his cobb salad but the look doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He’s been distant since he got back from Colorado, probably mentally preparing for his big work trip to California.
It sucks that he won’t be around for New Year’s either, but we can celebrate when he gets back.
I squish down the top of my burger bun so the mammoth monster will fit into my mouth without giving me lockjaw. “You all packed?”
His lips flatten as he spears a tomato. “Not really. I still have a few loads of laundry to wash.”
At least he has a washer and dryer in his apartment. I have to use the community laundry room in our apartment complex. “Any fun plans for while you’re away?”
His fork slips, landing on the edge of the salad plate with aclang. The tomato on the end pops off and rolls across the table, leaving a wobbly orange trail of French dressing in its wake. “For the last time, Loren, this is aworktrip.” He snatches back the tomato and drops it into the salad. “We’ll be in meetings all day, probably have dinner with the higher-ups in the evenings, and then get ready to do it all over again the next day.”
Geez. Someone’s testy tonight.
I set down my burger to wipe my greasy hands on the cloth napkin stretched across my lap. “You don’t have to snap at me. It was only a question.”
A long breath passes between Josh’s lips. After a beat, he offers an apologetic smile and reaches across the table to give my arm a tender squeeze. “I’m sorry. I’m used to people assuming all this traveling is fun. All I want to do is stay home.”
I want him to stay home too. Work is important but it shouldn’t be your life. “What would we do if you were here instead?”
The muscles in his square jaw flex as he chews slowly, considering. “We’d probably brave the crowds on Broadway, listen to the bands, have a few drinks while we wait for the fireworks, and then go back to my place.”
That sounds like the perfect night. Especially the part where I get to sleep in a luxurious bed with Egyptian Cotton sheets and an apartment with a working HVAC system. Mine’s been on the fritz since before Christmas.
“Maybe next weekend?” We could make some fireworks of our own.
Candlelight sparkles in his eyes when he grins. “It’s a date.”
The rest of dinner goes by without incident and by the time the check arrives, I’m reaching under my shirt to unfasten the top button on my jeans, giving my poor, swollen stomach a chance to expand the way she needs to. As much as I don’t want to say goodbye to Josh, I can’t wait to take off this damn bra and slip into a pair of sweatpants.
