Page 28 of The Wish List
I slipped it into my pocket. “Just waiting on a reply.”
I had texted Rosie three hours ago. She hadn’t responded. My call went to voice mail.
Was she okay?
Was AJ sick?
Was she sick?
Had she already forgotten about me?
Internally, I shook my head. She was no doubt busy. Laundry. Playing with AJ. Out. Something.
But she hadn’t answered, and I was worried. I almost started to laugh. I didn’t worry about anyone. Aside from my sister and niece, and even they didn’t get much of that worry. I knew James loved them fiercely and protected them both.
“A new project,” she asked. “Or—” she grinned widely and took a sip of wine “—does this have something to do with your ‘I’m not alone’ comment over Christmas?”
I was surprised it had taken her so long to bring that up. Granted, since I’d arrived, I had been busy with Bonnie. Opening gifts, having tea, reading to her before she went with her dad to pick up pizza, leaving Suzy and me alone for the first time since I’d gotten here.
I was quiet for a moment. “I met someone. I was letting her know I arrived, and she hasn’t responded. I’m a little surprised.”
“And concerned,” Suzy added, tilting her head. “She must be special to have your attention, big brother.”
“She is.”
“When did you meet her? How long have you been seeing her?”
“Just before the holidays.”
“So, November?”
“More like a couple of days before Christmas.”
Suzy’s eyebrows flew up in shock. Before she could speak, my phone rang and I answered quickly, my voice filled with relief. “Rosie. Is everything okay? “
“I’m sorry!” she exclaimed. “It was so cold AJ couldn’t play outside, and he was restless. The neighborhood theater had a cheap matinee and we went, and I guess I forgot my phone. We stopped for a burger, and we were gone longer than I expected and I missed your calls—”
“It’s all right, baby. I’m glad you and AJ had a nice afternoon and you’re both okay.”
“I didn’t mean to worry you. In your message, you sounded upset.”
“I was concerned. But it’s all good.”
“Your drive was okay?”
“Boring and fast.”
“Did you speed?” she tsked.
“A little.”
“Asher,” she scolded.
I glanced at my sister, who was watching me with narrowed eyes.
“We’re about to have dinner. I’ll call you later once the holy terror is in bed, all right?” I said, dropping my voice.
Rosie’s lovely laughter drifted over the phone. “You adore that holy terror. I can see it every time you talk about her.”
