Let me buy your ticket. I roped you into this.
Six months of digital marketing is more than enoughcompensation.
You haven’t met my entire family yet. Just wait until my mom and dad are in the same room together. You’ll be charging me for pain and suffering after the week is over.
Somehow I doubt that.
You’re going to eat your words, Madigan.
Royce, you available? I need some guidance on clothing. Shopping currently.
Just got out of a meeting. Send some pics.
Too late. I hope you’re ok with me wearing a speedo on the beach. Just figured since Bald Head Island is closer to Europe...
I just pictured you in a speedo.
I know, I know. It was too much for you and now you’re hot and bothered.
More like tepid and unruffled.
Going to have to change your tune now. Picture incoming.
Please be joking!!
Oh, thank God. I really like those shorts.
CHAPTER 19
Paisley
“Why are you smiling like that?”
It takes me a moment to realize Paloma’s addressing me. Is it the sound of restaurant cutlery and exuberant lunchtime chatter from the tables around us that have made it hard for me to hear? Perhaps it’s the video of ice Klein sent that I was watching for the seventh time.
We’re at our favorite lunch place after a morning of meetings, but I couldn’t resist peeking at the message Klein sent an hour ago.
A video to cool you down in case you’re hot. Have a good day, Ace.
A link to an ice-making video followed.
Ace.
I love the nickname. Adore it.
Stowing my phone in my purse, I drop kick the upturned position of my lips and lift my gaze with its freshly applied poker face. Paloma and Cecily’s curious expressions stare back at me.
“I’m not smiling.”
“Youwere,” Paloma insists. “Like a stranger who sees a bulldog puppy in a Trader Joe’s and wants to pet it but doesn’t want to seem weird so they leer at it with heart eyes instead.”
I lean away, giving her an exaggerated head to toe look of concern. “That was oddly specific.”
She waves halfheartedly. “It’s me, hi. I’m the heart-eye woman at Trader Joe’s.”
Just when I think I’ve cleared the hurdle of admitting what had me gooey smiling at my screen, Paloma firmly bats at my open menu. “So, why were you smiling?”
