Now that she's back in my life more, I’d do anything to see that smile or hear her laugh.
Up until the last few days, I knew that I missed her. That I missedus.
But I’m starting to see that it was a whole lot more than I thought.
* * *
As soon as breakfast is over, Natalie and I give our goodbye hugs and then both hit the road, but first, we stop for a pistachio latte.
Once we’re on the highway, the speakers in my truck announce an incoming call from Natalie.
“Miss me already, do you?”
“Well, I figure that just because we aren’t riding together doesn't mean we can’t talk. I mean, who else do you have to talk to?”
I chuckle.
“Well, I could call a few people, I suppose. Or just listen to music.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“There isn’t any, I guess.”
“Well, I have a few more ideas about this book we’re writing.”
“Okay.” I grin. “Let’s hear them.”
The other thing I’ve loved the past few days are her ideas and the fact that, between the two of us, we have a solid book. Hell, Natalie has a naughty sense of humor, and with the sex, the drama, and the humor this book is going to have, she very well may ditch me for another book down the road. She has a gift.
“What if they have a one-night stand and she gets pregnant, but he’s so distraught over his broken engagement that he changes his contact information, and she can’t reach him to tell him about the baby?”
“That’s a pretty big plot change.”
“You’re right. Save it for book two?”
“Book two.” I laugh. “Planning ahead.”
“Yes. I’ve been so wrapped up in this book thing that I haven’t had time to think about my real life, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me.
“If you want to talk about it, we can,” I offer.
I’ll despise Griffin till my dying day, but if Natalie needs to talk, I’m here for her.
“Nope. The only thing I need to figure out at this point is how to get my things.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I need my computer for work. I need my clothes, shoes, and jewelry. I even want the stupid blender set I bought that I hardly ever use unless I’m making cookies, but I’m waiting till Griffin is out of town again. He’ll be back in California by the weekend. We still have a shared schedule on my phone. I’ll go get my things then.”
Ah.
“I’ll go with you if you want,” I offer.
“In two days,” she repeats. “I'll definitely let you come with me.”
“Great.”
