Page 72 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

Naomi pulled me into her arms next. “We thought we’d work out, then steal you for lunch.”

“I have plans after class.”

They released me simultaneously. Naomi’s smile widened. “We’ll in that case, so do I.” She quickly removed her cell phone and shot off a text. I assumed to her husband.

Journey’s eyes narrowed. “Plans with whom?”

“I didn’t say they were with anybody.”

“You didn’t have to.” Journey leaned closer. “Is the doctor coming?”

“His name is Elijah.”

“I know that man’s name. Is Elijah coming?”

“He said he would.”

Naomi glanced toward the front windows. “Christian mentioned something about him visiting the studio.”

My brows rose. “Christian needs to stay out of our business.”

“Christian didn’t give me any details.”

“Because he didn’t have any,” I said.

Elijah had kept his word. Christian might know his brother had stayed awake long enough to text him after leaving the hospital, but he didn’t know what happened in Elijah’s bed the previous weekend.

At least, I hoped he didn’t.

Naomi reached for my hand. “How are things going?”

“Good.”

“That smile says better than good,” Journey said.

“What smile?”

“The one spreading across your face every time we mention that man.”

I tried to straighten my mouth, but it didn’t work. Things with Elijah were better than good. Even with Friday’s canceled date, he had found a way to make me feel considered. My disappointment didn’t frighten him, irritate him, or make him defensive. Mama called me the next morning to ask when she would meet him, but I left that question unanswered.

“Oh you’ve slept with him,” Journey said.

A woman passing us on her way into the studio slowed slightly.

“Can you lower your voice?”

“That means yes.”

“It means I don’t want my clients in my business.”

Journey lowered her voice by half a degree. “You slept with him, didn’t you?”

“I’m not discussing my sex life here.”

“Fine. We’ll discuss it after class.”

“No, we won’t.”