Page 44 of Waiting for Sunshine

Me

I wouldn’t dare

Max

Good girl.

That last messagehas me blushing. Why the hell am I 2,000 miles away from him right now?

“I will never get over how freaking fabulous this place is,” Lauren says as she spins around the hotel room Hugh got for us. It is definitely somewhere I would never be able to afford on my own. The suite has a king size bed, a full kitchen and a balcony with the most beautiful view of the city. The marble in the kitchen and the massive flat screen tv mounted above the dresser was enough to tell me this place cost a pretty penny. Don’t even get me started on the rooftop restaurant and pool.

We spent the first few days visiting all our old hangouts from when the girls would come visit me in college. We walked on the boardwalk, rented bikes, grabbed fro-yo, and went shopping. Then we spent a couple of days holed up in the hotel room just watching movies. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed San Francisco, but my desire to move back here was fading more and more every day. I have new things in my life that make me excited now. However, I really do miss working in an art environment, specifically my position atThe Gallery. I am hoping I will get my fix during the event tonight.

Hugh is absolutely loaded and loves me like family so he spared no expense for my trip back out here this week. It’s only been two months since I’ve seen him, yet it feels like it’s been a lifetime.

“Yeah, Hugh has deep pockets, but you’d never guess it when you meet him. He’s so kind and down to earth. Truly one of a kind in our line of work.” I finally respond as I plop down on the bed.

“Listen to you,our line of work. Sounding like a true artist.” Lauren says proudly. I reach for my phone but no more messages from Max have come through. I toss it down beside me and sigh. “I’m sure whatever Sexy Boss is doing, he’s thinking of your fine ass. Don’t you worry.” Lauren reassures, as she plops down beside me.

“You’re probably right. I am so freaking glad you came with me, Lu.” I say, resting my head on her shoulder.

“So, What time is the event tonight?” Lauren asks.

“Seven o’clock,” I answer, flipping my head to look at the clock that reads2:30 pm.

“Okay, I am going to the gym to get a workout in. Wanna come?” she says hopping back up from the bed. I narrow my gaze letting her know there’s no chance in hell.

“Message received.” She lifts her hands defensively and walks out of the room.

I grab the remote and flip through about a hundred channels with nothing good on before getting my ass out of bed to shower before the event tonight. Traveling and walking down memory lane this week has me completely worn out. I grab my phone from the bed before heading to the bathroom.

The bathroom here is absolutely massive. It has an ivory stand-alone tub sitting outside of the center wall of a shower that couldprobablyhouse the Lord’s supper table. It’s completely black marble from floor to ceiling and has a freaking rain shower.

A hot bubble bath seems a bit more appealing than a shower today, the less standing, the better. I grab my phone and get the courage to be bold, sending Max a sudsy selfie. I’m completely covered in bubbles, but he’ll get the idea.

After I hit send I set my phone on the little table outside of the tub; I sit there and soak for what feels like an hour. Once my water gets tempered, I hop out wrapping my plush hotel robe around me, shuffle back in the room, and fall into bed. I don’t wake up until two and a half hours later, when the hotel room door slams, jolting my body into an upright position. My hands involuntarily fall into a karate chop position.

“Calm down, Jackie Chan.” Lauren laughs. I look at the clock to see it's now five-thirty at night, and Lauren is still in her workout clothes.

“Jesus Christ, Lauren!” I say, holding my chest dramatically. “Next time leave the door on the hinges when you come in.”

She rolls her eyes and kicks her shoes off.

“Always so dramatic, Shaney.” She smiles, beaming with a sickeningly gorgeous post-workout glow.

“Where have you been, anyway? If you say you worked out for two whole hours, I’m leaving your ass here when I go back to Nashville.” I fall back onto the bed trying to slow my heart rate.

“Relax, I took some breaks.” She playfully glares at me through the mirror. She’s acting suspicious but I’m not in the mood to pry.

“Shower quick, you’re in charge of this tonight,” I say, circling my face with my index finger.

“Shut up, are you serious?” Lauren squeals, running over to hug me. She presses our cheeks together and I push her face away with my hand.

“Yes, but some of us already showered, you sweaty robot, so get off of me.” I wipe my face dramatically, laughing as she skips off to the bathroom. I walk over to pick up my phone before drying my hair, and I see a text from Max.

Max

You’re killing me woman.

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