Page 92 of Cloud Storm

“Pack a swimsuit.” She finally stops grinning like a love loon to say something useful.

“So, do you know where we’re going?”

I think even Mr. Hatz has more information than me at this point.

Lancelot, you infuriating, frustrating, loving man! Sometimes I don’t like you so much.

“I don’t,” she claims, but her face betrays her.

Caught red-handed!

“You’re the worst friend ever,” I say accusingly, pointing at her, while searching out my skimpiest bikini bottom.

Two can play this game, Suit.

“Let’s see if you feel that way next week. I bet you’ll be back with a huge grin on that grumpy face, miss.”

Rolling my eyes, I keep packing.

“You’re nervous because you’re completely in love, gal.”

I stop in my tracks and look daggers at her.

“No, I’m not,” I insist, but my heart is hesitant, it wants to shut my pipes and tell another story. “I’m in-lust, which is something altogether different.”

Phew, good save, I want to congratulate myself. I wish I could be that sure about my feelings.

How could I stop them? They’re growing, inevitably, immeasurable, powerfully.

Focus, keep packing!

What else do I need? A ballgown? A spacesuit?

With Lancelot, you never know. The man is full of surprises.

After winning the TV contest, we went to Michelle’s to celebrate and after that, he took his sweet time playing with me, making me feel good. So, so freaking good. Next day, I was full of energy, my soul filled with gratitude. He drove me to a wholesale store to buy the ingredients to cook a good meal for the people who were in the stadium parking lot cheering me on. I not only baked more cupcakes for them but also cooked a delicious tomato soup and put sandwiches together, with salad and chips. I wish I could help them every day, give them an opportunity, however, I can only hope my story inspires them. There is hope out there and if they look hard enough, they might just find it.

After that we needed to rush back home to take a quick shower and dress, because a huge celebration at The Park was waiting for us.

It was ah-mazing, everything I wanted and more!

Every morning since that weekend I wake up smiling, and go to sleep feeling as though my heart could burst from happiness. The pessimist in me wants to scream out that all of this is temporary, but then Lancelot kisses me, throwing all my doubts out the window.

“Why aren’t you at work? I hope you’ll be at the bakery since I won’t be there to take care of things,” I say, worried everything will crumble during this getaway.

“Easy, tiger.” She smiles. “Katie is taking charge of the kitchen and I’ll be there as often as I can.”

I keep tossing dresses and blouses on the bed. “What should I wear tonight?”

Finally my friend moves to help, picking a dress from my closet.

I like what she picks out, but the high neckline doesn’t fit with my plans. I need something sexier. Lancelot is a total breast man. In the last month he has developed a close relationship with my rack, so I want them on display.

By the time we’re finished, I decide on black high waisted pants and a green silk blouse with lantern sleeves and a very low sweetheart neckline. The color looks wonderful with my hair and I’m sure my man won’t be able to keep his hands to himself.

Nailed it.

At six o’clock, there’s a knock at my door. Always punctual. I open it to find him there, looking as yummy as ever in one of his impeccable suits as he ogles me.

---