shuhaige
39
So many layers, and each one ached in a different way.
She turned toward me and said, “You don’t know that. In fact, my gut tells me he’s very into you.”
“Nope.” I held in my breath. “I can feel the change.”
“What did Gloria tell you?” She didn’t wait for me to respond when she added, “That you have to be patient, so why don’t you listen to the woman? She knows all the things. I don’t know why you’re doubting her.”
When we had left her bakery and sat by the water to eat, I had felt so much hope from her words.
But now, that hope was gone.
What happened?
Where did he go?
How did I lose him?
“Call him,” Monica said, pulling me from my thoughts. “Or even better, surprise him in LA. You’re due for a visit home anyway. God, it’s been ages since you’ve been back.”
“How?” I tucked my knees against my chest. “I have an exam Monday morning, bright and early.”
“Babe, tomorrow is Friday. You’re done with class at what, two? Jump on a plane at three or four. That gives you Friday night, Saturday night, and take a late afternoon flight back on Sunday.”
I rested my chin on top of my knees. “I don’t even know if he’s going to be in LA this weekend.”
She lifted my phone off my lap and held it out to me. “There’s only one way to find out.”
I took it from her, staring at the screen.
Can I pull this off?
Is it even the right thing to do?
As I glanced up, Monica said, “Stop thinking about it and start typing.”
She was right.
I found the last text we’d exchanged, my thumbs tapping the screen to work on a message.
Me: Tell me you have something amazing planned for this weekend? I want to live vicariously through your fun, extravagant life while I’m buried in books and papers and exams. Sigh.
Jenner: You’re almost at the end, not much longer now.
Me: You want to tell that to the bags under my eyes? They’re getting darker and deeper every day, LOL.
Jenner: The last picture you posted on Instagram had no bags-unless we’re talking about the Gucci you had on your arm. You look gorgeous, Jo. I’m positive you do right now as well.
“I love him,” Monica said as she read over my shoulder. “Like, looove him.”
I glanced at her. “He didn’t take the bait.”
“He will. Keep going.”
Me: You’re sweet. Thank you. I’ve been admiring your Sedona pics. I’ve never been. Is it even more beautiful in person?
Jenner: For sure. My phone barely captured the beauty. You need to go. You would love it. But I’ve got to say, it feels good as hell to be back. It’s been a long stretch of travel.
Me: I never thought I’d ever hear you say that.
Jenner: Even a wanderlust-isn’t that what you call me?-needs to plant his ass home every once in a while.
Me: Does that mean a Dodgers game and some Nobu on Saturday? 😉
Jenner: I like the way you think.
Me: I’m glad home is being good to you and you’re getting what you need right now. Enjoy, Jenner.
Jenner: Get some studying done … LA misses you.
“And he does too. Trust me,” Monica said. “He would give up his left nut to have you there right now.”
“You’re nuts-”
“Oh, babe, you haven’t seen anything yet,” she said, interrupting me and grabbing the phone from my hands. She smiled the whole time she pressed the screen, eventually turning it toward me to show me what she had done.
“You didn’t just purchase a plane ticket on my phone?”
“Wasn’t that the whole point in texting him?” She laughed. “My, my, a little convo with Jenner, and you’ve suddenly forgotten our fabulous plan.”
I felt my eyes widen. “So, I’m flying to LA? Tomorrow?”
She nodded toward her door. “Go pack.”
Surprising Jenner wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped because, as it turned out, I didn’t have his address, and Google wasn’t giving it up. My only option was to ask someone for it, which meant I had to reach out to one of his brothers. Dominick was the easiest to find, his profile coming right up on Instagram.
I was so hesitant to send that message.RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
Maybe Jenner had a life in LA that I knew nothing about. Maybe I was on the verge of walking into an avalanche.
Maybe he wouldn’t want me there.
But as Monica had put it, the only way I’d ever know was if I tried, so I sent Dominick a quick note and received a reply almost immediately. He gave me the address and gate code that would gain me access to Jenner’s front door. He’d even asked for my flight information and promised Jenner would be home.
As the ride-share drove me to his street, part of me didn’t know if this was a good idea, but I still had the car drop me off a block before his house, so his camera wouldn’t alert him that there was a car outside. And I still tiptoed to his callbox and quickly pressed the numbers that would open the gate.
I gripped the handle of my suitcase and hurried up to his door, pressing the bell, knowing if he checked the feed from the camera facing me, the secret would be out.
I knew he had, but he still opened the door with the biggest smile on his face.
His eyes traveled the length of me, his teeth finding their way into his lip. “What are you doing here, gorgeous?”
I melted from the way he was gazing at me, flutters exploding in my chest.
“I was in the area.” I smiled. “So, I thought I’d stop by.”
“Get over here.”
God, that sexy voice was something I’d missed.
The moment I was within reach, he wrapped his arms around me and hauled me against his body, his lips instantly slamming onto mine. His kiss was passionate, almost needy. I responded the same way, desperate for his heat, his intensity.
Needing him more than anything.
He finally pulled away, holding my face as he asked, “How long do I have you for?” He glanced at my suitcase, his stare turning back to me. “More than a night, I hope?”
“I fly back Sunday afternoon.”
“The whole weekend,” he growled. “Do I have to share you with anyone?”
He was asking about my family, and a pang of guilt hit my stomach.
They didn’t even know I was here, and that was so wrong of me. But if I told them, they would want every second of me, and I would have no time left for Jenner.
I couldn’t let that happen-not for this trip.