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Jasmine reached over and pushed the Off button on Portia’s machine. “You’re done.”
The treadmill’s thrumming quieted as it shut down and Portia finally stood stationary facing Jas. “I know I am. So done.” She sopped up her face and neck and allowed herself a moment of accomplishment. It had been a hearty workout.
“I meant on the machine, girl. You’re being cryptic today. What’s really bothering you?”
Aside from her broken heart? It was hard to put into words exactly but she tried to explain. “I’m almost finished with the Tanaka account, Jas. You’ve helped me so much this past week and we’ve been working at breakneck speed for long hours. When I’m through... I don’t know how it will play out. I’m still officially on leave. I don’t know what to do after this. I’m living a lie, but I can’t do anything about it at the moment. I feel weird in my own skin right now.”
“Wow, Portia, I’m sorry. Juan Carlos doesn’t deserve you. You’re hurting because of him.”
“You got that backward. I don’t deserve him.”
“Oh, brother. Listen, I know it’s going to take time getting over him, but you will, honey. I hate to stand by and see you beat yourself up over something out of your control.”
“Thanks, Jas. It means a lot to know you have my back.”
“I do.”
They left the workout area and headed to the showers. After a quick rinse off, Portia dressed in her casual street clothes and combed her hair.
“Too bad we can’t grab breakfast,” Jas said, exchanging a look with Portia in the dressing room mirror as she slipped her long mane into a ponytail.
“Wish we could, but we’ve both got busy mornings. Sorry if I’m overworking you on this account.”
“You’re not at all. I was only looking for an excuse to have waffles and bacon this morning.”
“And you wanted an accomplice, right?”
Jas nodded. “No fun eating alone.”
“Another day, I promise.”
“Okay, then I’ll talk to you later. Oh, and thanks,” she said, wrinkling her nose, “for dragging my butt in this morning.” She pouted. “I ache all over and my legs feel like Jell-O.”
“You’ll thank me in twenty years when you’re still hot and gorgeous.”
“So I guess I’ll have to be your friend forever now.”
“BFFs. That’s us.”
“Yeah, that’s us,” Jas said, waving goodbye.
Portia rode the elevator down to the parking garage. Just as she was getting into her Volvo, her phone beeped. She glanced at the screen. Odd, she’d gotten a text from Maria Ramon.
I’m in town and would love to see you. Can you make time for me today?
“No,” she whispered. Any reminder of Juan Carlos right now was hard to take. Seeing Maria would only bring back memories of her time in Alma. She did have a terribly busy day. Hadn’t she just turned down a breakfast date with her best friend?
Another text came in. It’s important that I see you.
Portia’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart began to pound. She couldn’t refuse Maria. She was a friend and more than that, Portia was curious as to what she wanted. But that didn’t stop her hands from trembling as she typed her answer. Sure, would love to see you. Stop by this morning. She gave her the address and sighed, starting the car. She planned on working from home this morning, anyway.
As it turned out, Portia couldn’t concentrate when she returned home. Those phone conversations could wait another day, she decided. She changed into a powder-blue silk blouse and white slacks, and brushed her hair back and clipped it on one side with a gemstone barrette à la Gwen Stefani. She finished with a few flips of mascara to her lashes and some pink lip gloss.
In the kitchen, she prepared coffee, arranged fresh pastries on a plate, and then brought it all to the dining table. Mischief and Mallow played at her feet, swatting none too gently at her toes. Before they destroyed her sandals, she scooped them both up and carried them to the sofa. “Here, let’s cuddle,” she said, laying them across her chest. They obeyed, burrowing into the warmth of her body. The sound of their purring brought a smile to her face. She stroked the top of their soft downy heads. She loved the two fur balls with all of her heart.
A few minutes later, the doorbell chimed and Portia jerked up straight. The quick move sent the kittens tumbling to the floor. The little guys landed on their feet. Oh, to be a cat.
