Chapters (57)
We are all definitely not one. Some of us are in charge, some of us dependent. Some of us are smart, some clueless. Some beautiful, some, like Betsy, not. That’s what separates us all: looks and intellect. I pretend to eat, pushing my meal around on my plate. The silence between us is heavy, debilitating.
“What time should I get to campus? To get a good seat?” Yes, this is small talk. If I don’t keep it light, I’ll throw something.
“I don’t know.” She’s shutting down. Our time together is over. “I’ve got to run. See you there. And if you arrive before Dad and the grandparents, try to be nice and save them a seat. Okay? For me?”
“Sure, honey. Anything for you.”
And then she’s out the door. I check my app and Kylie is almost to San Diego. I wonder if David knows she called in sick. Probably not yet.
I grab our dirty dishes and carry them to the sink. I hope to hear some more good news yet this morning.
My phone rings. It’s an unfamiliar number. My heart thumps with anticipation. This is going to be the best day ever.
36
11:00 a.m.
It’s not who I expected.
“Hi, Jane, it’s Hoff. Just calling to check in on you. That kiss last night was, well, great.”
He’s still turned on. He’s calling me on his way into work. He thought about me, us together, all night. I have that effect on men. Meanwhile, I’d forgotten all about him.
“I’m doing better, thank you. And listen, nobody can know about our little rendezvous. I was never there at the tennis courts, okay? Or about the wonderful kiss.” Deep, throaty laugh.
“Of course. Your secrets are safe with me,” he says with a whisper of desire. “Say, I’m also calling to give you a heads-up. Sandy, Josh’s mom, called me to cancel her tennis match today. She’s driving Josh to the police station. She assured me he didn’t do anything wrong. I just thought you should know.”
Good boy. “Oh, goodness. Well, I know Josh had some things to tell the police. The poor guy was so torn up last night. I guess he has to do what he has to do.” I look at the ceiling. My heart feels heavy, but just for a moment. It’s all her fault. We all get what we deserve in the end. “Say, Hoff, I need to get going. Today’s a big day. Graduation.”
“Of course, so sorry to bother you.”
“You aren’t a bother. Let’s talk tomorrow? Maybe get together for a little tennis or something?” I suggest. That should keep his heart thumping.
“Can’t wait,” he says, hanging up.
He’s going to have to wait forever, poor guy.