Page 47 of Find Me in California

“They spend a lot of time talking. They’re friends, but I don’t think it’s anything more than that.” I’d seen them enjoy meals together, but nothing beyond that.

Matty’s gaze dropped to my mouth, and my heart rate picked up. I unconsciously scraped my teeth over my bottom lip, and his eyes flared. Then he seemed to remember himself and where he was. We both did. He grabbed the discarded booklet, and I popped to my feet, reminding myself this was Liza’s husband.

“I should let you get back to work.”

“Agreed.”

I picked up the shovel and started to walk away. A cold shower sounded like a good idea.

“Magnolia?”

I turned around. “Yes?”

“This helped, the meditating.” He pointed at the pillows. “Thank you.”

I smiled, pleased. “You’re welcome.”

Sunday

CHAPTER 22

MATT

Matt opens his eyes, the top lids unsticking from the bottoms like packing tape peeling off cardboard. He frowns at the drawn curtains. They’re too bright for 4:00 a.m.

He grabs his phone off the nightstand and swears at the time. It’s past noon. What happened to his alarm? Convinced he must have turned it off rather than tapping the snooze, he checks the app only to see he set the alarm for 4:00p.m.

He also sees Dave texted twice and called once. Lenore and Julia both called a few hours ago.

“Goddammit.” At some point last night, he silenced his phone.

He throws off the sheet and scrambles around the room, repacking his duffel. The place is a mess, littered with chip bags and empty beer cans. He finds the bottle of Jack, a decent portion drained.

“Fucking hell.” No wonder he feels like an elephant stomped him to death.

He pops an edible and calls Dave on his way to the bathroom.

“I’ve been trying to reach you,” he answers. “Where are you?”

“Some motel.” He takes a piss and brushes his teeth.

“How’s Grams?”

“Haven’t seen her. I’m not there yet.” He talks with his mouth full of foaming paste.

“It’s noon. They aren’t open to visitors?”

He spits and rinses his mouth. “No, I’m not in California.”

“Where the fuck are you?”

“No idea.” He packs his toiletries and explains to Dave what happened, everything from the canceled flight to his decision to drive thinking he’d save time, and meeting Magnolia.

“You picked up a hitchhiker?” Dave shouts into the phone.

“Spare me the lecture. And she wasn’t hitchhiking.” But Magnolia was an excuse to put off Elizabeth.

“Still ... Are you all right? Is something going on with you? Talk to me.”

---