Page 47 of Love Rescheduled

“I know. I don’t make spur-of-the-moment decisions, but I have to talk him out of this.”

Alec grinned the biggest of all grins as if he knew something I didn’t. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Good luck.”

I was going to need more than luck. I was going to need a mild sedative, a bottle of hand sanitizer, throw in some sanitizing wipes for good measure, and a slide deck presentation to make my case. Believe me, I would need something to do on the plane so I didn’t hyperventilate. This was so not on my schedule.

“YOU’RE DOING WHAT?” JOLENE YELLED through my car speaker.

“You heard me right; I’m going to LA.” I had to keep saying it, as I hardly believed it.

“Are you talking on the phone in your car?” Tara asked, astonished.

I had a no-talking-on-the-phone-in-the-car rule, even if it was hands-free. I had never once used my car’s phone capabilities, but … “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” My plane left in under an hour, and I was trying not to have a panic attack as I raced to the airport—going the speed limit, of course. I hadn’t gone completely rogue. It was bad enough I wasn’t getting to the airport two hours early. Which was usually a waste of time, considering how small the airport was in Greenville. Although it did boast of its status as an international airport. But that was neither here nor there at the moment.

“Yes, I’m using the hands-free car option. If I die in LA, I’ve left you both the cottage and Lord Mac, assuming he doesn’t die a spectacular death with me. Be gentle with him. He likes to sleep on a pillow.”

They both giggled.

“I’m serious.”

“That’s the funny part,” Tara sniggered. “You’re not going to die in LA. Lord Mac will be safe and sound.”

“I don’t know. Josh better not make me have to take an Uber or rent a car. He’ll come get me at the airport, right?” I could hardly breathe thinking about the unsavory possibilities. I’d left Josh several messages, telling him I was coming. No response yet. I kept wondering if he already hated me. Or if this was a trick to see if I really would come to LA and he was just making me sweat it out. I was sweaty all right. I’d done some major hustling trying to pack a proper bag and make online reservations, all while maintaining my commitment to this insane plan. It was a major workout.

“I’m sure he will,” Jolene didn’t sound very convincing.

“Maybe I shouldn’t go,” I wavered. Except I had just spent more on a nonrefundable airplane ticket than I ever had. I was sick over it and would eat rice and beans for the next month. This is what happens when you do things unscheduled—mass chaos. Hence, after this minor episode, I would be in full-blown schedule mode, trying to detox from this erratic behavior. One day Josh would thank me. When I was watching him on TV, it would all be worth it. As long as he didn’t make me take an Uber.

“I think this is exactly what you need to do,” Tara said.

“You do?”

“You need a little shakeup in your life. It’s good for the soul. And admittedly, I think Josh is good for you, too.”

“We aren’t getting back together.”

Jolene snort laughed. “Right.”

“I’m serious. I only packed a bag for one night. I’ll show him the slide deck I’m making on the plane to convince him how wrong he is, and that’s that. I’m coming back home late tomorrow.”

“Jolene, what are the odds Josh doesn’t play sexy and dirty and convince her to stay a while longer?” Tara asked.

“Survey says, odds are not in Nat’s favor,” Jolene replied.

“You ladies are hilarious,” I said flatly. “Listen, this is a business only trip.”

“Ooh, business,” Tara sang.

I stopped at a red light, almost at the airport. “Not that kind of business.”

“Uh-huh.” Jolene wasn’t convinced.

“I mean it. I just don’t want him to hate me,” I whimpered.

“Nat,” Tara spoke gently, “I don’t think it’s possible for him to hate you. If he was going to hate you, he’d already feel that way.”

“That’s not true. He’s never given up his dream before. He’ll regret it and then resent me. I can’t let that happen.”

“I’m not sure that’s your call.” Jolene basically repeated Alec’s admonishment.

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