“Send it to me to look over before you email it to her.”
“I think I heard a please in there somewhere.”
“Please, Ms. Bryant.”
I could hear the exasperation in his voice. It filled me with pride. “Mr. Greyson, I would be happy to do that for you.” I almost gagged on my own words. It was then I heard a woman’s voice in the background.
“Hey Kel— I mean Ms. Bryant, I need to go, but I’ll call later.” He sounded flustered.
I again began to wonder.
While I worked, my mind wandered frequently, and it frequently landed on someone it shouldn’t. By lunch, I decided I needed a distraction. I ditched my sack lunch and headed out. I decided to go to a travel agency and check out some vacation packages. My sister and Zane had invited me to go to Disney World with them in a few weeks during the girls’ spring break. I had thought about saying yes, but I think they did it because they felt sorry for me and because Zane and Amanda wanted kid-free time to do what married couples do, so I politely declined. Besides, theme parks weren’t my idea of a good vacation. I would rather be lying out on the beach or scuba diving and snorkeling than waiting in never-ending lines.
As I perused the brochures, it was just another glaring reminder that I was single. They all showed happy couples and families. It wasn’t quite the distraction I was looking for, but I still took several brochures for the Virgin Islands, various cruises, and even London. I could see myself on a double-decker bus, visiting Jane Austen’s homeland. Maybe I would even get to meet my own Mr. Darcy. I laughed at my stupidity.
By the time I got home for the day, I was melancholy. All I did for the first half hour was lie on the couch and stroke Charlie’s back. He was a purring machine by the time I was done. I asked him what he thought of riding a double-decker bus. I think he may have rolled his eyes and said,Be quiet silly woman, you missed a spot. I needed a life. At least I had belly dancing to look forward to.
On my way to the Y, I saw something to lighten my mood. There was a sign informing the residents that the pool would open on the first day of spring this year. That was only a week away! With that news and a killer workout, I was in much better spirits when I arrived back home. After I showered and made dinner, I settled myself on the couch, while listening to some smooth jazz. I was feeling relaxed and content when my phone rang. It probably shouldn’t have surprised me, yet it still did.
“Hello.”
“Kelli.”
He sounded Ian-like, so I said, “Mr. Greyson.”
I heard him sigh. It never got old.
“You know, I could still be at work, and you just crossed professional boundaries by using my first name.”
“Are you at work?” he inquired.
I didn’t answer.
“That’s what I thought.” I could hear the grin.
“So, what can I help you with, Mr. Greyson?”
“I called to see how your day was?”
“Um . . . I’m just about finished with the proposal for Lorelai and—”
“I didn’t call to talk about work,” he interrupted.
“This is a social call?” I asked because I really needed clarification. I mean, why would he call just to call?
“In a manner of speaking,” he responded.
“Huh,” was all I could say.
“So, how was your day?” he repeated.
“It was fabulous,” I exaggerated, because I didn’t want him getting the wrong idea. “So . . . how was your day?”
“Not as good as yours, apparently.”
I laughed because he probably did have a better day than me. He probably spent it with his “personal matters.”
“Well, you know I’m living the glamorous life over here.” I looked down at my sweatpants and t-shirt.
