Page 66 of More Than a Fling

Silence.

“Are you still there?” Gabe asked.

“Yes, I’m here. See you tonight.”

* * *

The salon was hopping, with all but one of the stylists working. Annie volunteered to go pick up their lunch order which had been phoned in to the diner. As she walked in, she saw Cal seated at the counter, next to none other than Kip and Roy, from the other night. They were deep in conversation when Annie startled Cal by greeting him.

“Hi Cal.” Looking curiously at his companions she said, “Do you know these guys?”

“Naw, I just recognized the accent, fellow Kentuckians.”

Kip had the good sense to look a little sheepish as he greeted Annie, “Hi Annie. Sorry if I came on too strong the other night. A little too much to drink.”

“Yeah, well, wasn’t my favorite part of the evening. I thought you were going to be “In and out”?” she said.

“We had to stay on an extra couple of days.”

The waitress brought her the bags containing the carryout containers and Annie paid at the register. “Well happy trails,” she said.

“I’m just leaving, do you need help carrying those to your car?” Cal asked.

“No thanks Cal, I appreciate the offer though,” Annie said, smiling warmly at him.

“I’ll walk out with you,” he said. “Hey, I’m real sorry about you and Gabe. I hadn’t seen you around, so I asked about it and found out you two had broken up.”

Annie shrugged her shoulders, “We took a break, we’re getting together tonight, we’ll see what happens.”

“Good. You two seem perfect for each other.”

“I gave up on perfection a long time ago,” Annie smiled affectionately at Cal, “But that doesn’t mean you have to. I’ll hopefully see you around.”

“Bye Annie.”

“Bye Cal, don’t work too hard.”

“Never,” he said. Grinning, “But don’t tell my boss that.”

Annie mimicked zipping her lip shut and got in her car and drove away.

29

Gabe was pacing the floors then suddenly there she was. His breath caught and his throat closed. Her hair was cascaded in thick red waves around her bare shoulders. She wore a black silky pantsuit, cinched at the waist with the front open in a vee all the way to the belt line, showing off her flawless honey-toned skin. The pants were loose fitting with the rest of the garment hugging her torso like a glove.

He approached her slowly, unsure of himself, “Annie,” was all he could croak out.

“Gabe, you look great," Annie said, and he did. Black jeans, tucked-in white dress shirt, same wild mop of hair, dreamy eyes, she felt tongue tied.

They both started to speak at the same time, then laughed with Gabe saying, “Let me go first. Annie, I am so sorry, I really fucked up. I was so angry I couldn’t see it from your point of view and for that I apologize. I am a stubborn asshole and it could have cost me the most important thing in my life.”

“I’m sorry too. I was so shocked I just freaked out. I am ready to listen now. I should have given you a chance and I didn’t.”

He took another step toward her and she met him halfway. They embraced and Gabe buried his face in her hair, to breathe in the intoxicating scent of her. With a ragged breath he said, “I’ve missed you.” And he covered her lips with his own and kissed her.

Gabe’s fingers sank into her hair as he held her tight. She put her arms around his neck, opening her mouth wide to receive him. “Oh baby, you feel so good.”

“Gabe,” she responded breathlessly.

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