What to do? What to do to jump-start my day?

I turn in circles in my hotel room, ridiculously blue and yet restless. What will I do today? I can’t face Butch at the pool but can’t see going onto the beach. Not if Kai’s there, not if he’s going to think I’m chasing him. And at this point I would be chasing him, because I want to know what last night was, what it meant, what I’m supposed to think or do or feel now.

I decide to go for a run.

Lacing up my running shoes, I do everything I can not to think or feel, although I can’t help realizing this is quite a unique situation for me. It’s been so long since I had a proper one-night stand, I’m not sure if I should be shocked by my behavior or proud. I did something out of character, something that will make a good story to remember and tell when I get home. And that’s what it’ll be, I resolve, a great story to share with Nic, Anne, and Kristine.

Leaving the elevator, I step outside into blue sky and sunshine, the temperatures already high seventies and it’s only eight o’clock. With my iPod clipped to my upper arm, I set off and run at a good pace, nervous energy giving me extra kick.

You can’t feel bad about last night, I tell myself. Last night was an adventure. You took a risk. You took the road less traveled… well, for you, anyway.

I try to focus on the positives. Great sex with a younger man. That should be a confidence builder, right?

But I’m only half-encouraged.

Somehow I’d hoped there’d be… more. Looking back at yesterday—last night—I guess I’d hoped there’d be more romance, more tenderness, more excitement.

I keep running.

I’m gone nearly an hour by the time I get back to the hotel.

In my room, the message light on my phone is blinking. Anne, I think, calling to wish me a happy birthday. I strip off my damp running clothes and head for the shower. As I dry off, I retrieve the message. But it’s not Anne. It’s Kai.

I sink onto the edge of the bed, the phone pressed to my ear, and play his message a second time.

“Hoping you slept good, girl. Wondering what you had planned for today. I’ve got the day off. Call me if you feel like doing something.” He leaves his cell number.

I grab a pen and scribble down his number.

And then stare at it.

And stare at it some more as the icy fearfulness starts to melt from around my heart.

He called.

He called and he wants to see me. He has a day off and he wants to spend it with me.