"Hello," I said, holding the phone to my ear.
"Hey, Savannah. It's good to hear your voice."
EJ's voice was low and sincere, and I felt like melting.
"Yeah? It's good to hear your voice, too," I said. "I have a quick break, so I'm on my way upstairs to my apartment for a minute," I said in a calm, measured tone. I was trying to conserve my breath as I made it to my door on the third floor. I went inside and closed the door behind me.
"When did you decide to go to Italy?"
"It was spur-of-the-moment. Gabe just told me to get my passport ready if I wanted to go to Italy with him, and I thought I couldn't pass."
"Oh, okay. I was just wondering about your trip. I was hoping to see you again next week, and it surprised me that you had decided to go there."
"Yeah, no, it's a last-minute thing for me. I've been on a couple of trips with Gabe, but never this far. Never to Europe. He's easy and fun to travel with, though. He works, and I go explore." I stopped talking. I had said enough, so I gave him time to respond. I heard nothing for so long that I said, "EJ?"
"Yeah, no, I'm here. I was just… I want to see you, Savannah. I've been thinking about you."
His voice was perfect and deep, and it entered my ears in such a way that I closed my eyes so that I could feel the sensation it caused.
"Yeah, I'd love that. We could do dinner again. Or hang out."
"When would you want to?" he asked, my heart melting at the question.
"Anytime, as long as I'm not in Italy."
"Tonight?"
"Tonight?" I said. "Seriously? Yes. I'm hanging out with some friends later, but you would be welcome to come to that. I know one of the guys there would be pumped to meet you."
"These are friends from…"
"Church," I said, filling in the blank. "It's not a church group. They are just people I met there. We get together once a month for game night, and that happens to be tonight."
"Savannah, if I go over there today, could I spend some time with you this weekend before you go to Italy?"
"Sure," I said even though I didn't know what he meant by that.
"I was thinking about you."
"Me too," I said, knowing I was getting myself into trouble.
"You're leaving on Monday. I have a lot going on at work. We both have things next week. And ultimately, I know you aren't looking for a relationship. But I was wondering if you'd let me see you this weekend, for a few days, before you leave—just as friends. I'd like us to get to know—"
"Yes," I said, needing no more convincing. "I'm working tomorrow, though. I added extra Saturdays for the appointments I had to reschedule. I'll be working from eight to three. But if you're staying a couple of nights, we could spend time together whenever I'm not working."
I was in my living room by then, and things were quiet. I found myself short of breath as I spoke, so I took a deep breath.
"I'm still in Milwaukee right now, which is further from you. I'm thinking it's best to fly there since you're on such a tight schedule with your trip."
"Are you still talking about coming here tonight?"
"Yes. Is that okay? Can I come to your game thing?"
"Yes. I get off at seven tonight, and I'm heading straight to my friend's after. Would you need a ride or a place to stay or anything?"
"No, I'll stay at the same hotel as last time. I'll arrange a car and try to be there by seven so I can go with you. I have to check on flights, but I'm not far from the airport. I'll let you know if I can't be there by then, but I'm sure I can work it out."
I was so excited, I felt like I could just burst. "So, you're coming here and going with me to Vinny and Emma's tonight?" I asked. My voice was shaking because I was suddenly nervous and excited.
