AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What’s all this about?” He pivots the cart toward the checkout lane.
“Some decorations foryourtree.”
His eyes drop to the nutcracker cracking open a Corona. “And the rest?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
“What are you planning?” His right eye twitches.
“Like I’d tell you.”
“Dahlia.” That rough voice of his tugs at my lower half.
“It’ll be great! I promise!”
I never thought going on a road trip with Julian could be a good time. Between fighting for control over the playlist and laughing over terrible restaurant reviews while searching for a spot that serves Detroit-style pizza, I find myself actually enjoying his company. It’s a dangerous admission, and one I’m too afraid to acknowledge for more than a fleeting second, solely because I’m worried it won’t last after we return to Lake Wisteria tomorrow.
I don’t want to get my hopes up, so I’m careful not toset unrealistic expectations, although Julian makes it nearly impossible when he smiles at the jukebox.
The hostess drops our menus at the booth closest to it before going over to check on another couple.
Julian shuffles through the songs before swiping his card to pay and taking a seat as the beginning chords of one of my favorites, “Brown Eyed Girl”, starts to play.
The memory of my dad spinning my mom around our living room to the same song flashes in front of my eyes. Mom would laugh often and worry less whenever my dad was around, especially when he danced with her.
Julian slides into the booth across from me, and the memory disappears.
“I love this song.”
“I know.” He grabs his menu while my heart thumps hard enough to almost jump out of my chest.
I drop my head into my hands with a sigh.
I’m exhausted by the time we make it to the fancy hotel Sam booked for us, with my eyes drooping and my posture slumping.
“Here you go.” The concierge slides the key toward Julian.
“And the other one?”
The man’s gaze flicks back to the computer screen. “You only booked one room.”
Julian’s shoulders tense. “That’s impossible.”
“I only have one reservation booked under Lopez.”
“Try checking for a room under the nameMuñoz,” I say.
A few clicks of the mouse confirm I don’t have a room. Julian walks away to call Sam, only to come back with the scariest scowl I’ve seen from him.
“He didn’t answer.”
I doubt I would answer my boss at midnight either, especially if I couldn’t book a second room like he wanted.
“Can we reserve another room now?” Julian taps his fingers against the counter.
“I wish I could, but we’re booked solid for the night. Most of the hotels in the area are, since we have three conventions, a hockey game, and an NFL player’s wedding all happening this weekend. You could drive around and try your luck, but—”
“I want to speak to your manager.”
