Lou strolled around the room, glancing at this and that – a necklace lying on the dresser, a box of stationary on the desk. “This just cracks me up. You’re the only one I know who still writes letters by hand.”
“Surely not.” She began tucking her things inside the weekender. “I think it’s so much more personal than an email or a text. Or a tweet, for God’s sake.”
Lou laughed. “You’re right. The whole world has become lazy and isolated.” She returned to the bed to sit near the headboard.
“I agree. I use social media to advertise my products, doing so is a necessity. Other than that – I avoid such things. It kills me to see a family eating dinner in a restaurant, sitting across from one another, and everyone is on their phones. We may have gained ground in technology, but we’ve lost something when it comes to human interaction.”
Lou chewed on her lip thoughtfully before she spoke. “I swear. You were born out of time, Jo.” She glanced around the bedroom, taking in the antique dresser, the antique bedframe, and the antique bookshelves piled high with historical romances. There was even an old-fashioned washstand complete with bowl and pitcher. “Sweetie, just look at this place. You act like you’re from another century, always surrounding yourself with things from long ago.”
Journey made a face, wrinkling her nose at Lou. “Everyone has their own style. I just prefer classic things. I’m not into anything modern or contemporary. I can’t help it, I love antiques.”
“Yea. I can see that.” Lou gave her a knowing look as she held up the treasured tintype portrait of Reno Black. “Especially this antique man.”
“Give him to me, Louisiana.” Journey bounced on the bed, snatching the framed picture from her friend’s hands. Leaning against a stack of pillows, she held the sepia photo close, lovingly running the tip of one finger over his face.
“Girl, you need to quit mooning over a guy who lived a century and a half ago. This obsession may be one reason why you can’t make a relationship work.”
“No. It’s not his fault.” She sat up, glaring at the blonde. “Don’t roll your eyes at me. I’m just waiting for the right guy, that’s all. So far, all the men I’ve dated are selfish, narcistic jerks.”
“Okay. You’re right.” Lou reached over and zipped Journey’s packed-to-the-brim bag. “You have managed to pick a group of losers. But they’re not all like that. One day you’ll meet the right man…if you’ll give him a chance.”
Journey leaned over to grab her phone from the bedside table, setting the alarm for six a.m. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she didn’t look up. “Maybe I’m just not cut out for a relationship.”
“Nonsense.” Frowning, Lou threw a pillow at Journey. “You’re perfect. Smart. Sweet. Sexy as hell.”
“Ha!” This made Journey giggle. “Right.” After taking a leather cord from the side pocket of the bag, she captured her long, dark hair into a high ponytail.
“I’m serious. I’d date you if I were bi.” Ignoring Journey’s mock outrage, Lou picked up the antique picture once more. “I guess I can see why you’d fixate on this dude. I mean, he can’t let you down.” Lou grinned and winked at her friend. “And he is sort of cute.”
“Sort of?” Journey gave a very ladylike snort. “He’s gorgeous, Louisiana Evans!” She smiled, catching her lower lip between her teeth. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here.” A soft breath escaped her lips. “He sacrificed his life to save my family. He was a hero in every sense of the word.” Again, she touched the glass covering the well-worn image. “I just wish I could’ve known him.”
Lou crossed her arms over her ample chest and gazed at Journey with indulgence. “Your fixation on this guy is sweet. But I don’t think it’s healthy. If you were as focused on the present as you are the past…” Seeing Journey’s hurt expression, Lou moved closer. “Don’t look like that, I’m not fussing. I just worry about you.”
Journey held up her hand. “Stop.” She rose to give her friend a hug. “I am so glad you care about me. I promise I’m fine.” She playfully stomped her feet. “I’m grounded. Fully in the moment.”
“Good.” She ran a soothing hand over Journey’s hair. “Jo, there are some good guys out there. All you have to do is be open to finding one.” She took the photo from Journey’s hands, opened the drawer to the bedside table, and