Page 303 of Rock Me All Night
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Iwakeup to the sound of my cell phone alarm. According to the clock, it's eleven thirty. There's a key on the desk and a note under it.
Kara,
Feel free to stay as long as you want if you decide to bail on the flight. Lock up when you leave.
Call me if you need to talk. Anytime. I'll keep my phone on all night every night.
Love you,
Meg
My suitcase is sitting next to the door. I find a change of clothes in it. I shower, brush my teeth, get dressed.
I gather my stuff together and wait for Tom on the curb. There are fifteen minutes until noon. I occupy the time by making a playlist of breakup songs angry enough to fit my mood. "You Oughta Know," "These Boots Were Made for Walking," "I Hate Myself For Loving You." I'm up to thirty-five songs when a loud voice grabs my attention.
"You're gonna get mugged staring at your phone like that." Tom is leaning against the door of a red sports car convertible, sunglasses covering his black eye.
It's a nice car. A few years old. Flashy but well built. Very Tom.
He's holding two Starbucks cups. He offers one to me. "Earl Grey, right?"
I nod and take the drink. It's a little oversteeped but still better than anything else I've felt all day.
He pops the trunk of the car and tosses my suitcase inside. "I brought you a sandwich. In case you're not willing to sit down for lunch."
"What kind of sandwich?"
"Caprese."
"I'll take it."
He examines my expression. "All right. Get it." He opens the passenger door for me then slides into the driver's seat.
I buckle my seatbelt and focus my attention on my tea. I need the energy.
Tom turns on the car. "Shoulda started with 'I'm sorry about all this.'"
"Thanks." I find the paper bag-wrapped sandwich sitting in a cup holder. It smells good. "Can we put the top up?"
"Yeah.
He pushes a button. With a whir, the convertible roof slides over us, blocking out the rest of the world.
Now, I'm only one person's pity project. It's almost tolerable.
Tom slips his drink into the cup holder. "Drew asked me to make sure you got to San Francisco okay."
"You already bought me a ticket. You don’t have to act as my chaperone."
"Yeah, but what if you suddenly realize you're over him and you're desperate for rebound sex? I'd hate to miss that chance."
"Tom, are you flirting with me?"
"A little." He winks. "It could be our secret."
"Really?"
