a controlled breath out, in case I started screaming with the giddiness that was bubbling up inside me, I took a step to the side with a jerk of my thumb. “I need to go, I’m late for work.”
“D’accord, Joséphine. À ce soir.” He pressed his lips to my wrist then let it go.
“Until tonight.” I nodded and turned. Four steps later, I glanced over my shoulder to catch him looking at my butt. He winked and shrugged with his palms up as if to say “What did you expect?” I turned and jogged backward for three steps, shaking my head and fighting a smile, then with a wave I resumed my run. I didn’t look back until I arrived, sweating, but driven by wings on my feet the whole way home, at the front door of our apartment.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Emergency girls’ night. ASAP. I texted the group chat with Meredith and Tabitha.
Mer: We’re already meeting, dumbass.
Yes. But I’m setting the tone.
Mer: Why?
It’s a long story. Best not over group text.
Mer: Ooh.
Tabs: Oh, what? Never mind. I think I know why.
??
Mer: ??
Tabs: Um… It wouldn’t have anything to do with me organizing a local nanny for Xavier Pascale would it?
Mer: What?!!!!!!
What?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mer: Holy shit. (Side-eye emoji)
You knew he was here? Wait. Wrong response.
Tabs: Yes. He called me two days ago and said he had business in Charleston. The question is why I didn’t know why YOU might need to know. Don’t you think you perhaps should have told me something? So I didn’t have to hear it FROM MY CLIENT!
Mer: oof.
I’m sorry. So sorry.
Mer: This is so awkward.
You weren’t here. And I know it was against the rules. Didn’t want to stress you out. But I was going to tell you, I promise. Wait. When did HE tell you?
Tabitha: This morning. He called and told me you and he had had a relationship. He assumed I knew.
Mer: In Josie’s defense she was going to tell you tonight.
I was. I promise. Cringing, I hit send.
Mer: But anyway, back to the important shit. He’s here? Like here, HERE? In Charleston. This is OMG. Josie, how did you find out?
I ran into him. Literally. Was out running.
Mer: Eek. Did he see you?
Understatement. Yes. He saw me … drooping in the heat, sweat pooling all over me, and hair frizzing in the humidity.
Mer: Ouch.
Ouch, indeed.
Mer: Did you talk?
Yes. That’s why the tone setting for girl’s night is EMERGENCY. So Tabs, what did he say exactly?
Tabs: I have a meeting right now. Chat later xo
Ugh!
Mer: Ugh!
So much I need to share. And as much as it is going to KILL ME to keep it bottled up until later, it’s better that I tell you guys in person.
Mer: Pleeeease. Just a little bit? Is he here for you?
No. His boat.
Mer: I don’t believe that. Tell me just a little. Did he say he couldn’t live without you?
I’m almost at work, I gotta go.
Mer: Pleeease!!! Did he tell you he loves you?
Mer: Josie?
Mer: Josie?
Mer: JOSIE!!!!!
Yes, he did. But …
Mer: SQUEEEEALLLL. No buts.
All the buts.
Mer: Bullshit. I’ll talk you straight later.
I have no doubt you’ll try. But I might not need much convincing.
Mer: OMG. Seriously?
I bit my lip. Seriously.
Tabs: Entering the chat again against my better judgment. Seriously?
Mer: Hi Tabs. Knew you couldn’t resist a good love story. Maybe you should open a matchmaking service instead? This is amazing. Do me next?
I chuckled aloud.
Tabs: LOLOLOLOL. No.
Oh, also, I asked Barb to come meet us for a margarita. She has some work news to share. Hope you all don’t mind.
Mer: I love Barb. The more the merrier.
Tabs: Fine with me. As long as you’re not embarrassed to be reamed out for screwing your boss in front of an ex-coworker.
I pursed my lips and selected the straight mouthed emoji and hit send.
Mer: oof. Again.
For the first time since I’d started my new job, the day dragged. My mind was all over the place. The man I was in love with was in my city. He wanted to be with me and I was dragging my feet. At lunchtime, I only had thirty-five minutes between meetings so I made my way to Washington Square with a smoothie, found a bench, and called my mother. It was a tiny park, one city block, if that. And not too many people knew of its existence, or at least if they did they never walked through the gate.
“Mom.” The relief at hearing her voice as she answered made my throat tighten. Sometimes you just needed your