‘For wanker.’
‘Guess what I just realized?’
‘What?’
‘I don’t feel sad any more when you say his name. In fact, I don’t feel anything.’
‘That’s what happens when someone finally shags you the way you’re supposed to be shagged.’
‘Can you stop saying shagged?’
‘Fine. Screwed. Bonked. Fucked. Better?’
‘Marginally. Anyway, it’s not about the sex, even though that was?—’
‘Incredible. Yes, I know. Stop rubbing it in.’
‘It’s more than that. Jonah is funny, and kind, and?—’
‘Hot.’
‘Yes, so,sohot. But he’s also clever, and hardworking and supportive. And he listens, really listens, and he cares. I’ve never felt so cared for.’
‘That’s it. I’m marching upstairs to Holbank’s office and quitting right now. I hope you’ve got room in that cottage for me.’
I laughed. ‘Believe me, you don’t want to be in this cottage when Jonah gets back from sea tomorrow. We’ve got lost time to be making up for.’
‘You say that so flippantly. “Back from sea.” Like it isn’t the coolest thing in the world to have a boyfriend who’s a hot, muscular fisherman.’
‘Lobsterman.’
‘What’s the difference?’
‘A pretty big one, which you should learn if you really want to move here.’
‘I wish.’
‘Nothing stopping you. If I can do it, so can you.’
‘You know, I really thought you’d be back by now,’ she admits sheepishly. ‘I thought you’d move there, realize you’d completely romanticized this idea of small-town life in your head and the reality was actually much different, and come back. Instead, you seem to have picked the one place in the country that actually lives up to all the cozy small-town hype.’
‘And I’ve barely scratched the surface. I can’t wait for summer, when they have weekly farmers’ markets, and outdoor movies at the town green, and art festivals, and Fourth of July fireworks, and all the cool things I keep hearing about. There’s even a winter formal this weekend, did I tell you? At Jonah’s family’s hotel. He’s taking me.’
She made a sound as if she had just sucked air in through her teeth. ‘His mother will love that, judging by everything you’ve told me.’
‘Undoubtedly. The last couple of days when I’ve been to check in on Gray, I haven’t seen her. I think she’s avoiding me.’
‘Who cares? Doesn’t sound like Jonah does.’
‘That’s the problem. He really does care; that’s why he’s so torn. He doesn’t want to let them down, but he doesn’t see how he can give them what they want, either.’
‘It’s a dilemma. I’m sure he’ll figure it out though. More importantly, what are you wearing to the formal?’
‘I haven’t really thought about it. I’m sure I’ll find something in my closet.’
‘No offense, because you know I love you, but nothing in your closet is going to impress Jonah’s mother.’
‘I don’t need to impress her.’
