Page 65 of Yours Actually

My stomach drops.“Funite’s stock price fell overnight, which is on top of last week’s decline.”I’m looking at a loss of a couple hundred grand on those stocks now.

“Oh, Liv,” Sasha says, “I’m sorry.”

My mind drifts during the rest of our lunch and I find myself unable to keep up with the conversation.I’ve got money.Actually, quite a lot thanks to an inheritance from my grandmother.So, I’m not going to be destitute anytime soon.However, I’m careful with it and I find losing money on the share market stressful.

By the time I hear from Callan at five p.m., I’m ready for this day to be over.That’s thanks in part to the stocks news as well as the fact I’ve got a mountain of work still to get through before I can even think about sleep tonight.

Callan

I’ve been delayed again.It’ll be late by the time I get home, so I’ll just go to my place.

I’m disappointed reading his text but it makes sense.

Olivia

Okay, makes sense.

Callan

Everything okay?

Olivia

Yeah, I’m just swamped with work.And I’m tired and grumpy, so it’s probably a good thing that you won’t have to put up with me tonight.

Callan

Shit, I have to go.Sorry.I’ll text you later.

I stare at my phone for a long time after we text.

I hate this day.Hate it.And I really wish he wasn’t so far away.

* * *

I work all night, finally closing my laptop just before midnight.I still didn’t finish everything I should have, but I can barely keep my eyes open.

After I take a quick shower and brush my teeth, I put on one of Callan’s tees that I may have borrowed from his suitcase during the weekend.It’s an old navy T-shirt that I’ve always loved.I would say he won’t miss it, but I know it to be a favorite of his, so he probably will.I could be persuaded to return it, but I really doubt that.I think this will be a long-term loan.

I crawl into bed and switch my lamp on.Some nights, I need it on to fall asleep and tonight is one of those.I’m almost asleep when a text lights up my phone.I debate checking it for a minute at which point it rings.My heart is instantly in my throat.It can only ever be bad news when a person receives a phone call after midnight.

I sit up and quickly answer it after seeing Callan’s name on the screen.“Oh my god, Callan, are you okay?What’s happened?”

“Ace.”His voice is soothing in his attempt to calm me.“Everything’s okay.I’m here.”

“Here where?”My heart is still thudding against my ribcage.He’s telling me he’s okay, but it’s taking a little time for that information to kick in.

“Here at your place.I didn’t want to let myself in in case I scared you.But I’m coming in now.”

I drop my phone on the bed and run to my front door.Callan is just coming through it when I arrive.

“I thought you were going to your place tonight.”

He closes the door and looks at me, and goodness,he’s missed me.“Why are you all the way over there?”His question is a rough growl, a demand, and it meets my core fast.

We crash into each other.

Our bodies.