Page 42 of Being Julia

“You’re welcome, baby. You know I’m here for you anytime you need me.”

“What’s going on?” Collin asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“Julia and I are just having a heart-to-heart.”

“Oh. Don’t forget, Dad. We’re going to look at cars today.”

My dad rolled his eyes and sighed. “I didn’t forget, Collin.”

Iwalked upstairs and into my parent’s room. “Mom, can I come in?”

“Sure, honey,” she said.

“I’m sorry for giving you an attitude earlier. I just don’t want to ruin things with Jake. I know it’s only been one date, but?—”

“Your heart starts beating rapidly when you see him. Your stomach gets all tied up in knots, and he’s the only person in the world that exists when you’re with him.” She smiled.

“Yes.” I smiled back.

“Come here, my sweet girl,” she said as she hugged me. “Take things slow. You have so much ahead of you.”

“That’s what Dad said.”

“Your dad is a wise man,” she said as she looked at me and then twisted her face. “Well, sometimes he’s wise.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I heard that, Elle,” my dad yelled from the hallway.

As I walked out of the bedroom, I heard my phone beeping from my bedroom. I grabbed it from the dresser and saw a text message from Jake.

“Good morning, beautiful. I was hoping you’d have coffee with me.”

I smiled as I read his text and quickly responded.

“Good morning. I would love to have coffee with you.”

“Great. I’ll pick you up in thirty minutes. Is that okay?”

“I’ll be ready and waiting.”

I ran to my closet and quickly rummaged through all my clothes, trying to find something to wear. I pulled out a cream-colored lace sundress that I had forgotten about and still had the tags. I put it on and threw my hair up in a ponytail. As I put on the final touches of my makeup, I heard the doorbell ring.

“I’ll get it,” I yelled as I ran down the stairs.

I opened the door, and Jake was standing there, holding two cups of coffee and looking sexy as hell.

“Morning.” He smiled, and I could swear the heavens opened up.

“Morning.” I smiled back as I took a cup from him. “Come on in.”

“You look great, Julia.”

“So do you.”

He held up a brown paper bag. “I brought bagels, cream cheese, and fresh fruit.”

I took the bag from him, and we walked to the kitchen. As I set the bag on the counter, Jake put his hands on my hips. He looked at me, smiled, and brushed his lips against mine, kissing me softly.

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