Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93785 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93785 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
“It’s a lot to take in,” I say, sounding as happy as I can. “Thank you for going to battle for me.”
“Any time, any place. You know how much I think of you, Gianna. But I do need to get going because I have a stack of things to take care of before I go home. I’ll recap all of this in an email, but give me a few hours to get it all together. As you said, it’s a lot to take in.”
“No rush. Thank you again.”
“Of course. Talk soon.”
“Goodbye.”
Tears well up in my eyes as I try to focus on the positives in this because there are many. This could be bigger than the Thursday slot. This might be a massive opportunity.
My parents would’ve loved that for me.
But as I look around at my house, my paint, and my buttons, I can’t ignore the pain in my chest. How much will I have to give up to be a success? And if I don’t, what will that cost Francine?
I open my text app without thinking, and my thumbs fly over the keys. There is only one place that I want to be—one place where I know I’ll feel like everything will be okay.
Me: Bored?
Drake texts me back immediately.
Drake: Just got home from playing basketball with Jory.
Me: What I’m hearing is that you’re about to be wet and naked.
Drake: What I heard is you saying wet and naked, and now I need you to come over.
Me: It took you long enough to say that.
Drake: I didn’t know I had to. I thought it was implied that I want you here whenever you want to be here … and when you don’t, too.
I re-read his words and feel the stress of Canoodle decisions float away. It’s Drake’s superpower, among other things.
Me: I’m on my way.
Drake: Have you eaten?
Me: No.
Drake: Any requests besides yourself?
I laugh.
Me: Pizza?
Drake: It’ll be here when you get here.
Me: You’re the best.
Drake: Only for you.
I dump my purse on the couch, fish out my keys and wallet, and head to the door.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-NINE
Drake
“I decided not to apply for the job in North Carolina,” Elodie says through my speakerphone, catching me by surprise. “I figure you might’ve forgotten about it since I haven’t brought it up since the day at the lake. But in case it was rolling around in the back of your brain, you don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
“Why? What happened?”
“Well, I’d like to say it’s because I can’t leave you guys behind. But the real reason is that I offhandedly mentioned it to my boss on Monday, and she went to the big boss and got me a hefty raise that takes effect next week.”
I nod approvingly. “I like that.”
“Me, too.” She laughs. “So what are you up to?”
“Right now, I’m lighting a candle in the kitchen because Gianna is on her way over.”
It sounds like such a flex as it comes out of my mouth. Gianna Bardot is on her way to me. What a lucky fuck I am.
I take a quick look around the kitchen to ensure I didn’t miss anything. The counters are clean, and the floor is swept. The bathroom has been straightened, and I changed the sheets on my bed. The flowers we made at Blow Me were delivered today. They sit on the counter for her to take home.
“How are things going with Gianna?” Elodie asks.
“I hate to jinx myself, but they’re going great. It’s just so easy with her, El. It’s only been a few weeks, but I can’t remember what my life was like without her.” I chuckle. “That sounds like a crock of shit, doesn’t it?”
She laughs. “Not necessarily, but it is funny hearing you talk like this. I love it, though. I love that you found someone who makes you this happy, because I can hear it in your voice.”
Gianna does make me happy. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.
“Hey, she’s here,” I say as my doorbell rings. “Can I call you tomorrow?”
“If you want, but I didn’t have anything else to say. I just wanted to tell you that Raleigh is off the table.”
“Glad to hear it.” Also glad that we don’t have to tell Mom. “Love you.”
“Love you. Bye.”
I slide my phone on the counter on my way to the door. I yank it open and find Gianna standing on the other side. She looks me up and down … with a frown.
“What’s wrong?” I say, when I see the disappointed look on her face.
She pouts. “You promised that you would be naked and wet, and you’re very clothed and very dry—ah!” She giggles as I wrap my hand around the back of her neck, bringing our lips together in a hard, deliberate kiss. My tongue sweeps across hers, and she moans into my mouth, her body melting against me.