Accidental Tryst (Charleston #1)(43)
* * *
I took my time in the shower, letting the delicious stream of hot water beat down my neck and back, pummeling away the stress of the day. The steam swirled with the scent of lavender and bergamot. At least, that's what the labels on the full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner said. I was pink with heat by the time I emerged. I dried off, put on a tank and sleep shorts, and slipped into the large fluffy robe. I combed the tangles out of my hair and then wrapped it in an extra towel to squeeze some excess water out and keep it from dripping down my back while I ate my dinner.
Just in time. There was a knock at the door, a waiter brought in and set up my dinner on the desk. "May I get you anything else?" he asked as he backed toward the door.
"I'm fine. Thank you."
"Very well. Good evening." The door clicked closed behind him.
Picking up Trystan's phone as I sat down to eat, I saw he'd texted me.
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Suit Monkey: Why does someone who doesn't eat gluten have a pizza menu on her refrigerator?
* * *
While I contemplated how to respond, I took a bite of trout and moaned. Wow, it was delicious. So was the sautéed spinach with artichoke hearts. Picking up the glass of wine the waiter had poured, I took a small sip.
Within minutes I had cleaned my plate and poured myself another glass of wine. I picked up the tray and plate and set it outside in the hall, then I picked up my glass of wine and fairly crawled into the bed. I felt decadent and relaxed.
* * *
Someone who has friends who aren't gluten-free?
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Suit Monkey: Fair point. It's good pizza.
* * *
Of course. I'm guessing you didn't go out.
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Suit Monkey: Too tired to contemplate going out and eating alone.
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Eating alone. I took a sip of wine, feeling its warmth spread through me. Relaxing me. Trystan's family situation intrigued me. It must have been some few days for him if he hadn't seen his family in fourteen years and then showed up to the funeral and apparently the reading of the will. It was like a novel.
* * *
There must be someone in your family who would put up with you for one dinner? I typed and then deleted and started again. Why alone? Aren't you mending fences after fourteen years? Ugh. No. Not that either.
* * *
Suit Monkey: What are you too nervous to ask me? I keep seeing dots appear then go away.
Suit Monkey: And no I didn't look in your bedside table, in case that's what you were wondering.
* * *
I laughed. No, that wasn't it.
* * *
Suit Monkey: Well?
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You said you were eating alone, and that you haven't seen your family in fourteen years. I have questions. I'm curious. I don't know what or how to ask, and I know you probably don't want to talk about them.
* * *
I stared at the phone wondering if I'd stepped over a line.
* * *
I bet you're sorry you pushed it, huh?
* * *
Still no answer.
* * *
Grrr. Texting sucked because you never knew if you'd said the wrong thing or it'd been taken the wrong way. But calling him now felt weird. We'd already spoken a few times today. For two people who didn't really know each other, that seemed excessive. So was asking him about his family, actually. It felt normal at the time, but if I had to describe what was going on to someone, I wasn't sure I'd be able to.
Just then he texted back.
* * *
Suit Monkey: I'm back. Bathroom break. Been drinking all that local craft beer Armand left in the fridge if you know what I mean. And your damned phone needed charging. Again.
* * *
Suit Monkey: To answer your question: It's complicated. So did you eat dinner?
* * *
I did. And I'm currently drinking your prescribed wine. Didn't I mention earlier how overbearing you could be?
* * *
Suit Monkey: But you like it. The wine, I mean ;)
* * *
If I don't slow down I may drink the whole bottle. The Sancerre. It's good.
* * *
Suit Monkey: Look at us, we're having a drink together. Cheers.
* * *
Cheers! This hotel is lovely.
* * *
Suit Monkey: It is. Glad you're enjoying. By the way, I think you were lying about having a cat.
* * *
I chuckle out loud. Nope. He just doesn't like most people. Especially men.
* * *
Hopping out of bed, I poured another glass of wine and grabbed the TV remote, and then climbed under the comforter. I really should have dried my hair, but it was so cozy, and I was so relaxed. The phone was quiet for a while then, and while I tried to concentrate on a Lifetime movie I came across that looked interesting, I couldn't seem to stop glancing at the phone. Eventually I gave in and texted him again.