Page 16 of Strawberry Cake
“It at least feels like it.”
“Oh, is that him?” Laura chimed, returning to the room with drinks and snacks. “Let me talk to him.”
“Laura wants to talk to you. I warn you now, she probably won’t behave.”
“Isn’t that what all friends do?” he asked with a chuckle.
Hope handed over the phone with a warning glare as her best friend sat back down next to her. “Hello Decan. I’ve heard you make my best friend happy.” There was a pause in which Laura flashed Hope a naughty smile. “But if I hear anything about you hurting her, I will slash your tires and key your car.” She let out a long laugh. “Yeah, I might stab those tires too.” Another giggle, and she handed the phone back.
“Sorry about that,” Hope quickly apologised.
“Don’t apologise for having someone care that much about you. She’s trying to protect someone she loves. Now go have fun.”
“I like him,” Laura declared the second Hope hung up the phone.
“Maybe if you stop threatening to sabotage his mobility, I’ll let you meet him.”
They shared knowing smiles, and continued their search for the missing A8 piece that would allow them to get the dresser done before they passed out in the middle of the floor.
The next day was stressful at work, and Hope was glad when she was finally able to leave the office. When she checked her phone and saw a text from Decan, her mood instantly lifted. She dialled his number, letting the phone ring through the car’s Bluetooth as she drove home.
“Off this late?” he asked right away.
Hope sighed. “Yeah…”
“You sound stressed. Everything okay?”
“Just a long day at work.”
“I’m heading out for a late gym session. Would you like to join me?”
Her first reaction was to say no, but then again, maybe taking her frustrations out on a treadmill would help.
“Pretty please?” he added with a hopeful tone.
“What gym do you go to?”
“Twenty-Four Hour on San Felipe and Voss. You can be my plus one.”
“Okay, but I’ll probably just go on the treadmill or something.”
“I’m not expecting you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. There is a pool if you prefer swimming.”
“Maybe another day.”
“And you don’t have to stay long.”
Hope smiled. “What time?”
“An hour? Does that give you enough time?”
“That should work, but I’ll let you know if I’m stuck.”
“I’ll wait out front for you.”
“See you in a bit.”
Sure enough, it took her a little over an hour to get home, change into her gym clothes, and make the drive through congested Houston. Decan was waiting by the entrance, a smile curling his lips the second he laid eyes on her. Suddenly, she felt awfully self conscious about the way her thighs jiggled in her leggings. She’d grown to tolerate the weight she’d put on since her sporty days, but with Decan looking like a five course meal in shorts and a tank, she couldn’t help but miss her flat stomach.