“Thanks. What are you doing this morning? Christina and I are going to do some quick window shopping along Queen Street. We’re both looking for an outfit to wear to the initial interviews. Do you want to come?”
“I’d love to. Do you want to meet here?”
“See you in half an hour,” Susan said.
Julia raced into the bathroom and jumped into the shower. The cool water and citrus shower gel gave her a lift, and once dressed in jeans and a casual blouse, she functioned with more alertness. She glanced at her silent cell phone, hesitating before dropping it into her handbag. Ryan hadn’t rung.
There’s nothing to stop you ringing him. She reached for her phone and hit speed dial.
“Julia, I was just about to ring you,” Ryan said.
“Great minds think alike.”Stupid. Tell him you miss him. “How’s Alex?”
“He’s still quiet and withdrawn, but he’s taken to my parents. He’s in the kitchen helping my mother do some baking.”
“That’s good.”
“I told my parents about you.”
“You did?”
“I figured I’d get it out all at once. A wife. A kid.” Humor laced his voice this time, his husky tones curling through her.
She found herself smiling. “How did they take it?”
“Pretty well. I told them the mugging had made me lose some of my memories. They already knew that because they’ve had to remind me about a few things. Luckily, there aren’t as many gaps now.” He paused then whispered. “I got off lightly with my parents’ reaction considering. They want to meet you.”
“Did you tell them about the club?”
“Yes. I said that’s why you couldn’t make the trip with us.”
The doorbell buzzed. “Hold on a sec, Ryan. Christina and Susan have arrived. I’ll just let them in.” She buzzed in her friends and waved them toward the coffeepot before continuing with her phone conversation.
“Mum wants us to stay for longer. She said it will be good for Alex.”
“But you are coming back?”
“Of course we are.” His voice softened into the intimate tone he used when they were alone late at night. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too.”
“We’re going to the beach this afternoon.”
“Have fun.”
“Talk to you later, sweetheart.”
He hung up before she could reply, but just hearing his voice eased some of her fears. He’d sounded glad to hear from her.
“Ready to go?” Christina asked, her bracelets doing a musical tinkle when she picked up her brown handbag.
“All set,” Julia said. “Ryan told his parents about me.”
“They didn’t know?” Susan asked.
“We’d intended to tell them and perhaps go down for a visit together, but Alex happened.” Julia signaled a passing cab, and they piled inside.
“Queen Street, Downtown, please.” Christina sank back against the leather seats of the luxury taxi. “I guess you both had a lot to sort out first.”
