Page 9 of Try Easy

Lou huddled inside her jacket, dreaming of the sunny skies that awaited her in Oahu.

“It looks like snow,” she said, looking at the sky.

“I doubt it,” said Paul. “It isn’t that cold.”

“Hmm,” Lou said, studying his chiseled profile.

She was leaving the next day, and she hoped he would invite her over to his apartment for a nightcap. They strolled slowly through the parking lot and stopped in front of Bertha.

Paul put his hand on the roof of the car and leaned down to kiss Lou. He lingered longer than was appropriate in public, and Lou thought he was working up to asking her over to his place. Lou was looking forward to it. Paul was a good lover. He was attentive and generous, and he always made sure Lou was satisfied. Lou leaned into him, realizing it had been weeks since they’d made love.

Paul pulled away and looked down into her eyes. Lou waited patiently for him to make the next move. That was how their relationship worked. Paul always initiated sex. He was old-fashioned in that way, and Lou found it sweet.

“I’ll see you in two Mondays, then?” Paul asked.

Lou blinked up at him in amazement. At first, she thought he was kidding. Then he leaned down and kissed her cheek, and she realized he wasn’t going to invite her over.

She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong and then closed it and nodded. Maybe this was Paul’s way of trying to make sure Lou missed him.

Fine, she thought, playing along. It was better that way. She had to finish packing and wake up early the next day.

“See you,” she said, digging in her bag for her keys.

“Don’t forget about me,” Paul said, stepping back as she fit her key into the lock.

“I won’t,” Lou promised.

She got into her car and turned the key. Bertha roared to life without hesitation. Paul nodded and walked away.

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