Page 11 of The Love Dose
I start up the Lavazza and get the milk from the fridge to froth. I know he takes only one teaspoon of sugar.
“Fire?” Calvin asks.
“Sure.”
Calvin crosses the living room to the hearth, opens the flue and kindles the wood already there. He knows his way around my place.
I walk past the large, framed photo of me and Bernard at our wedding, sitting on the carved mahogany mantel and hand Calvin the mug. “One sugar. Two shots espresso.”
He smiles. “Thanks. Tell me more about this situation. If you want, that is.”
I pour myself a chamomile tea and toss in a slice of lemon. Today wins for most varied beverages. Mojitos, bourbon, cappuccino, and now tea—at this point, I might as well start a support group for indecisive drinkers.
We bring our drinks to the fireside. I yawn loudly, embarrassed. “Sorry. It’s been, for lack of a better term, an excruciating week.”
“Sounds like it. You look almost as tired as I feel.”
“I need a vacation, badly.”
I know I sound entitled. Poor little rich girl. But it’s actually true. I’ve been dealing with one major hurdle after the next. Now I have to manage the lawsuit and the possibility that I’ll soon be facing a drastic change in my financial circumstances. Plus, there’s the annual Shining Stars fundraiser that I’ve neglected. I promised to resume Bernard’s signature charitable event after skipping it last year.
“You never did get that time away with your friend in Yosemite,” Calvin says.
He’s referring to the trip I was meant to take with Evie before I broke my leg. It seems like light years ago.
“That’s okay. I met you.”
Sheesh. I hope that didn’t come off wrong. I don’t want to send him mixed signals. For good measure, I add, “My newest friend.”
Subtle, right? Because nothing says 'just friends' quite like a clumsy disclaimer.
His face brightens. “I agree.” He raises his mug. “Here’s to broken bones and enduring friendships.”
We clink and drink.
He’s sipping from his mug when I see his eyes widen.
“Everything all right?”
“Yep. Had a thought but it probably makes no sense.”
“What doesn't?”
“Nothing, all good.” He looks at his watch and stands. “Thanks for the coffee. I hope everything works out for you. Truly.”
I’m not ready for him to leave. But he has an important job.
I stand and escort him to the door, feeling a bit off. I want to ask when I'll see him again but don't. It will only send the wrong message.
“Have a good night, Calvin.”
“You too. Thanks for listening.”
“Same.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek. The sensation of his lips brushing my skin sends an unexpected jolt of warmth through me, like a spark igniting a hidden fire. I’m momentarily frozen, caught off guard. I'm fully aware that my calibration is way off. My emotions are all over the place. It’s just a kiss on the cheek and Calvin just happens to be here at a moment of weakness. But tell that to my heart. It’s racing as if he’s just lit a fuse I didn’t even know was there.
As he walks toward the elevator, I keep my voice rock steady. “That’s what friends are for.”
