Page 69 of You Rock My World
At least my driver reported that no one tailed Josie’s car when he drove it around town earlier. And it seems my house is not being monitored either. Maybe I’ve become paranoid where Billie is concerned. But my ex-wife did things I would’ve sworn she’d never do, so now I’ve learned to be overcautious.
Later that night, I should be asleep. Instead, I’m lying in bed, staring at my phone, waiting for Josie to text me.
She doesn’t. Did I scare her off? She was pretty complicit, but maybe now she’s regretting it?
I should show more restraint. Keep my white gloves on. But that was before she crawled onto my lap and nearly undid me.
I type a message and hit send before I can second-guess it.
Dorian
I can’t sleep after what you did to me today
Josie
I have no idea what you’re talking about
I am a professional rule-follower
I scoff.
Dorian
Right. And I’m a Buddhist monk
She sends an angel emoji—the little halo over the yellow face—but the way my brain is wired now, it’s the equivalent of throwing gasoline on an open flame.
Dorian
Now I’m imagining you in a short angel costume
Josie
You have a thing for feathers?
Dorian
I have a thing for you
Josie
Josie can’t come to the phone right now ’cause she swooned to death
P.S. Sophomore year of college, I dressed up like a sexy angel for Halloween, want a picture?
This is going to make my night so much worse, but I’m a glutton for punishment.
Dorian
Yes, please
My phone pings. I keep my eyes glued to the screen as the image loads, and when it comes into focus, I regret asking for it because now I’m definitely not sleeping.
Josie is in a short white dress with feathery trim and high heels that make her legs go on forever. The wings are innocent. But not her pose. She has one hand on her hip, the other resting against a doorframe, head tilted as if she’s deciding whether to let me into heaven or send me straight to hell.
Josie
Sweet dreams
