“And does he want you back?”
“No, that’s not what this was about.”
My pulse calmed.
“Okay, so why did you and Leah fight, or is it not connected?”
“Yeah, well it’s kind of connected.” She was reticent.
“So, talk to me.”
“It’s nothing, and I overreacted. It’s embarrassing, really.”
“Tell me.”
“Okay, but you have to promise to hear me out. Don’t go bat-shit crazy again.”
“Go on, Anna.”
“Leah just asked if I would try and reconcile with Ben now that I’d read the letter. And I got really mad that she couldeverthink that, knowing how I feel about you. She knows how different it is between us compared to other boyfriends I’ve had. I mean, if she feels for Daniel even a tenth of what I feel for you, she would never say that. I just lost it. Totally lost it and I feel bad. I apologized and it will be fine, but I was so irritated.”
I think my heart stopped. Literally, stopped dead. I didn’t think it was possible to love someone more than I knew I loved Anna but apparently it was.
“Ethan?”
“Yeah, I’m here, beautiful. I’m sorry you had that fight with Leah—no, scratch that. I’m not sorry at all. I needed to hear that from you today.”
“You did?”
“It’s all good. But we need a plan. We can’t live threethousand miles away from each other for long. I think it might just ruin me.”
“I was thinking the same thing.”
“So, let’s think of what we can do over these next few weeks, and then discuss the possibilities face to face when you’re in New York.”
“I was hoping there was going to be a little less conversation and little more action when we see each other face to face.”
“You’re quoting Elvis at me?”
“I am.” She laughed.
“Girls aren’t allowed to quote Elvis. It’s the law.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Really? And now you’re deliberately trying to make me hard?”
“Maybe.” The smile pushed through her voice.
“There’s going to be plenty of action, you don’t need to worry about that.”
“I can’t wait. Can I make a request?”
“A sexual request? Of course. Anything.”
“Hardy har-har, Mr. Scott. You know I love Andrew and Mandy . . .”
“I take it back, no requests involving swinging or foursomes.”
