Cole:
Good. Glad we can put that to bed. Now start thinking about being in my bed on Saturday.
Me:
There are several days between now and Saturday, Dr. Vaughn. Do you intend to abandon me and my needs during this time?
Cole:
Not at all. Supply closet. Ten minutes.
I let out a snort of a laugh, but then texted back.
Me:
Really? Cause…we can do that…
Cole:
I’m just playing.
Unless you’re gonna do it
* * *
The weather was so perfect on Saturday, it seemed to draw everyone out and into the light. I spent the morning watching my niece play soccer, then took her and Alicia to lunch before heading home to finish some deep cleaning.
Hours later, I stood in front of my closet, discarding outfit after outfit until I settled on a deep red wrap dress that clung to me in all the ways I loved.
I lost myself in the ritual of getting ready for a date—something I hadn’t done in what felt like years. Jeremiah and I didn’t have nice dates. We met for meals or a show, but the main event was always a few hours of raucous sex with no emotion, no care, no yearning.
No love.
Tonight, I was excited to curl and coax my hair, apply makeup, enhance every part of my body that I knew Cole liked to explore.
Cole arrived right on time in dark slacks and a button-up shirt, no tie, the top button undone. His eyes traveled over me slowly, appreciatively.
“Amazing,” he said. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“Could say the same about you.”
We dined at Augustine, a downtown restaurant with romantic lighting, light Southern fare, and exceptional wine. We sat at a corner table, knees touching under the tablecloth, chatting about everything except work.
It was easy. Comfortable. Like we’d been doing this forever.
After dinner, we walked to the Fox Theatre for a show—a musical I’d mentioned in passing that I’d love to see. He remembered. He held my hand in his lap the entire time, his thumb stroking my skin.
During intermission, we stood in the crowded lobby drinking overpriced wine from plastic cups when I saw him.
Jeremiah.
He was across the room with a woman I didn’t recognize. She was petite, beautiful, bright red lips open wide and laughing at something he’d said. She touched his arm, casual and comfortable, and he smiled down at her like she was the only person in the building.
Cole followed my gaze. “Ain’t that your boy?” he asked, clearly amused.
“Mmmmm,” I hummed in confirmation.
“You want to go say hi? You want to hide?”
