Page 78 of The Close-Up
He is a trifecta of attractiveness: good-looking, gainfully employed, and a total sweetheart. I want to jump his bones.
I shake away the thought as I zip up my camera bag, but then something pink catches my eye. I whip out my phone and text Harper.
You packed a vibrator in my camera bag??? WTF is wrong with you??
She texts back a devil emoji.
Harper: For good luck. The last time I packed a surprise sex toy in your bag, you and Simon almost had sex. You two kissed the other night, so this is me giving you a much-needed nudge. Let’s hope for more successful results this time, shall we?
Me: I’m going to kill you. Like, seriously murder you. I’ll be featured on Dateline when I get done with you.
A million laughing emojis are her response.
I huff out a breath, willing myself to stay calm. The last thing I want is for Simon or his family to notice I’m freaking out and ask what’s wrong.
“Naomi! Come have a drink with us.” Amy smiles at me.
I check the time. It’s early evening, which means with traffic it’ll take close to three hours to get back to San Francisco, maybe more.
“Oh, um... I should really head back...”
She waves a hand, like my excuse is no good. Under the wide brim of her floppy sun hat, her gold-brown eyes turn adorably pleading.
“Come on! One glass! You worked so hard documenting our Simon.” She pats his shoulder as he downs the last of his wine. “You deserve a break. We ordered a bunch of food too. You have to help us eat all of it.”
My resolve starts to crumble at the mention of food. When I say okay, she lets out a cute squeal. Miriam and Barbara smile.
I walk over and take a seat next to Amy.
Simon smiles at me. “Glad you’re staying for a bit. I was worried you’d head back with zero food in your stomach. I didn’t see you eat anything today.”
The spicy smell of his cologne hits my nose and I have to bite my lip to keep from groaning. I glance at his throat, mesmerized at the slow movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallows. I force my gaze down to my blouse, tugging on the hem like I’m trying to smooth out every single wrinkle.
“Ha, yeah. Guess I just got caught up in work.”
He’s seemingly unaware of just how hard it is for me to keep my shit together around him. He’s been relaxed this whole day, which means he’s not feeling anything close to what I am. All the more reason to ignore the heat inside me.
“No wonder you two get along so well. Both such workaholics,” Amy says, chuckling.
Barbara frowns at her. “They’re not workaholics. They’re hardworking. There’s a difference.”
“I know, I know,” Amy says from behind her wineglass as she takes a sip. I catch the beginning of an eye roll before she turns to look off to the side.
Barbara reaches over to pat Amy’s hand. “You’re hardworking too, sweetie. And someday you’ll finish your degree and get a great job, just like your brother.”
Amy scoffs and Simon grimaces before he gulps more wine.
“Thanks for that low-key dig, Mom.”
Barbara’s face falls slightly. “Oh, honey. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that I’m proud of you no matter what.”
Amy lets out a frustrated sigh and turns to me. “Good thing you didn’t get this part on camera, huh?”
“Amy’s doing great, Mom,” Simon says. “She’s on her own path, there’s no need for her to rush through school. She’s happy and supporting herself. I think that’s pretty great.”
The sour look on Amy’s face fades.
“You’re right, honey.” Barbara reaches over and pats her hand. “I’m so proud of you kids.”
