Maybe Later(31)

His answer makes my heart beat fast.

“You would?” I ask surprised and hopeful.

No one has ever put me before everyone else. The scenario is fake, but if the story ended as he describes it, I would be riding cloud nine—with him.

He drums his fingers on the table and asks, “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

I open my mouth to answer, be with you, but before I do, he curses under his breath.

“I have family coming over,” he explains, pinching the bridge of his nose. “How about Tuesday?”

I take out my calendar, pretending to check if I’m busy. He doesn’t need to know that I make my own schedule and if I wanted to, I could be available for him any day of the week—almost at any time.

“Are you looking for an excuse to ditch me?” He taps twice on the table. “Give me a fair try. I can be charming. If you want, I can read another classic before we see each other again.”

“No, I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing next week.”

“Dinner,” he says with a low voice. “Have dinner with me.”

His voice is so soft, just like his gaze, and even though I’m not sure if this is a good move, I say, “Okay. Call me Tuesday morning, and we can go from there.”





Chapter Fourteen





Monday, April 25th, 10:44 a.m.



JSpear84: How is your Monday?

AWalk90: It’s not perfect, but I’m dealing. Can you imagine? One of my clients had this ridiculous meeting at four o’clock in the morning. I had to attend, translate and then send a written proposal. Who needs sleep right? I’m on my sixth cup of coffee, and I can’t keep my eyes open. I think I’m moving to Japan.

JSpear84: Japan? That’s too far and the time zone wouldn’t work for me. I must say, you impressed me with your skills. Are you sure I can’t hire you?

AWalk90: That’s exactly why I learned Japanese, so one day I could impress you.

JSpear84: First, I have to point out that you’re the grumpy one today. Second, I have to ask, how long did you spend learning Japanese? Did you learn with a native?

AWalk90: I took lessons at a young age. It’s a long story. I spent a summer in Japan when I was thirteen. I know four languages. Play three different instruments, among other party tricks.

JSpear84: I know how to play the piano and guitar.

AWalk90: You must be as talented as Mozart, or maybe Bach.

JSpear84: Mozart when he was about two years old. I stopped playing the piano long ago. Now I just play guitar when I’m alone at home. It relaxes me.

AWalk90: What a coincidence. I play guitar too, and I taught myself to play the ukulele.

JSpear84: Well now I understand your intense love for music.

AWalk90: I wouldn’t call it intense, I’m passionate about what I love.

JSpear84: Your favorite music genres are indie, alternative, and anything 90s. Yet, you know about every genre.

AWalk90: You might be right, but you missed country, classical and blue grass.

JSpear84: Country huh?

AWalk90: My parents hated country, that’s why I learned to love it, so I could annoy them.

JSpear84: How was your weekend?

AWalk90: I was busy. I went to the museum on Saturday, and on Sunday I drove to Albuquerque. There was an antique show, and I got a few pieces I can sand down and paint.

JSpear84: Did you go with your boyfriend?

AWalk90: I thought we established that I don’t have a boyfriend.

JSpear84: You could have gone on a date with your husband or your fiancé.

AWalk90: I’ll tell you about my relationship status when you show me a picture of yourself or you allow me to google you.

JSpear84: You can google whatever you want because you won’t find me, I don’t have a cyber print.

AWalk90: I’ve heard people pay a lot of money to do that. Who did you pay? I might need someone like that for my clients?

JSpear84: If you ever need someone, let me know I’ll hook you up with them, but I’ll keep the information to myself for now.

AWalk90: Are you ever going to tell me what happened to you, why you hide?

JSpear84: Why do you assume I’m hiding something?

AWalk90: People don’t close themselves to the outside just because they decided one day it was easier to be in their own world. There’s always a reason. And I’m curious by nature.

JSpear84: I have a feeling that it takes one to know one. What are you hiding, Amy?

AWalk90: Maybe I’m a hired assassin, and I’m planning your execution. Or I can also be someone else hiding from everyone because life became too complicated. Maybe I lost myself, and I can’t bring who I was back.

JSpear84: Let me know if you need any help finding yourself. I’m great at searching. I aced Where’s Waldo.

AWalk90: You’ll be the first one I contact if I decide to do it. Do I have to buy a red and white striped sweater?

JSpear84: Ha!

AWalk90: Time for me to go back to work. I hate to burst your bubble, but you’re not my only client.

JSpear84: One last thing, I need date night ideas.

AWalk90: In Denver?

AWalk90: I sent you a few links, not sure what you want to do but you can start there. Who are you dating?

JSpear84: You’re not helping me much.