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“Tomorrow? You’re working on New Year’s eve?”
“Well, You know me.” Joe chuckled nervously. He never laughed when talking about work. Why was I getting the feeling he was lying about working?
“Tomorrow I’ve got plans already.” I tell him.
“Okay.”
“Shopping. I’m going shopping for the furriest boots I can find. You could join me if you want. I know you love shopping for winter clothes.”
“Truth be told, I haven’t even bought one new coat this season yet.”
“I don’t believe that. You usually pick your first one in September.”
“Not this year. Guess I was missing my shopping companion.”
Truth be told, I missed him too. “What time’s your meeting?”
“Should be finished by ten-ish. I’ll text you when I finish?”
“Deal.” I shrieked silently and jumped with excitement.
“Okay. I’ll see you then.”
“Oh, wait.” Suddenly, my exhilaration died down. “Let’s keep this between us, shall we?”
“Don’t worry. Sam doesn’t know I’m coming there.”
I knew Joe would understand my cryptic message. “See you tomorrow then. Goodnight Joe.”
“Goodnight, Luc.”
I hung up and galloped back to the bathroom, leaving behind another trail of wet footprints. Who cared about that or about the heavy rain knocking on my window? The scary little girl just received a very surprising present.
I finally had a social appointment. The fact that it was with a former friend was an issue I just didn’t want to deal with until tomorrow.
* * *
Chapter Nineteen
New year’s eve. Ten in the morning.
During this same time last year, I was waiting for Joe to wake up on his day off so we could go to the market together. Not for groceries. But for gin and champagne. It had become sort of our tradition over the years. Drinking the evening away into the new year.
This year, Joe and I will end it over coffee. Well, not end it per se. I doubt our coffee date will span till midnight. I had no idea whether we’ll mend things or wreck them further. All I knew was that I couldn’t wait to see him.
For all the five minutes I stood near the crossing waiting, I had butterflies in my stomach, like meeting a stranger for the first time. Though when I spotted Joe across the street looking back at me, the exuberant smile on his face was so familiar. So similar to mine. He jostled politely through the waiting pedestrians to reach the first spot at the curb. I just knew he was thinking the same thing as I was: when the hell was the light going to turn green? And when it finally did, Joe and I were the first to jog across the street. We met halfway, instantly engulfing each other in the tightest embrace. Neither one of us could let go. The last time we hugged that much was after Joe returned from a two-week seminar abroad. That time, it felt like he’d been away for years. This time, it felt like a lifetime. Gosh, I missed him.
A loud honk startled us. Alright, calm down, driver. It’s just a hug. We’ll get on the pavement, okay. Not our fault the green light changed quickly now.
Joe held my hand as he gave me an awed once-over, his grin never wavering. “I see the city suits you well. You’re looking amazing. And wearing black too now. What did you do to my Lucy?”
“Figured it was time to give it a try. Shit, are those stitches?”
My elation was quickly deflated as I saw the pointy ends of sutures just along the top of his brow. I could make out at least four stitches. No need to ask where he got them. His silence and deadpan expression only confirmed my assumption.
“What about Sam?” I asked, with my arms crossed at my breast like a mama correcting her child. “How many stitches doeshehave?”
“None… Just a sprained shoulder.”
