by Kathi Daley
“I can’t believe I missed everything.”
“I can’t believe you allowed yourself to be taken to an island with no cell service and internet. It must have made you nuts.”
“Actually, it wasn’t bad,” Houston answered. “When we first arrived and were told that satellite radios would be the only means of communication, everyone went berserk. I thought Loretta was literally going to burst a blood vessel, but after everyone got used to the idea, it wasn’t so bad. I guess I’m used to the spotty cell and internet service at home, so I adapted the quickest. It was actually nice to unplug a bit, but I did miss talking to you every day.”
“I missed you too, but to be honest, with everything that was going, on I’m not sure we would have been able to have these two-hour gab sessions anyway.” I smiled as I looked out the window at the snow that had started to fall. “Do you think it’s strange that we talk so long when you are on a shoot? We don’t talk for two hours every day when you’re here in town.”
“I see you almost every day when I’m in town.”
“That’s true, I guess.”
“How are the kittens? Have you had a chance to check in with Serena?”
“I have, and the kittens are great. Really, really cute. I’m sorry they will have all been rehomed by the time you get home. You’re going to miss them completely, but there’s always another litter around the corner.”
“Especially with spring just around the corner.”
Harley and I continued to chat for another hour. By the time we hung up, he was all caught up, and I was ready to settle in for the night with my menagerie of animals. I hadn’t spoken to Houston for a couple of days and was considering calling him before I became too settled when there was a knock on the door.
“I hope you haven’t eaten.” Houston held up a pizza box and a bottle of wine.
“I haven’t.” I stepped aside. “And that pizza smells amazing.” I closed the door behind him. “Did we discuss getting together tonight?”
“No. I got off work and was hungry. I decided to pick up pizza and realized that you might not have eaten and might want some, so I headed in this direction.”
“How very spontaneous of you.” I grabbed two plates from the cupboard.
“Being spontaneous isn’t my strong suit, but I have decided to try out some new things now that we’re into the new year.”
I took a sip of my wine. “Oh. Like what?”
He looked me directly in the eye. “I’ve lived here for a few years now, and in all that time, I’ve never seen you date anyone. Do you date?”
I frowned.
“I mean, you don’t have a personal policy against dating, do you?”
“No, I don’t have a policy against dating. Why do you ask?” I looked at the wine. “Is this a date?”
“No. This is just pizza. I haven’t dated since my divorce, but it occurred to me that it might be time. If, at some point in the future, I decided it might be time to start dating again, would you be open to going on a date with me?”
I smiled. “I don’t know. When you’re ready, why don’t you ask me, and I guess we’ll see how it all works out.”
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USA Today best-selling author Kathi Daley lives in beautiful Lake Tahoe with her husband, Ken. When she isn’t writing, she likes spending time hiking the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. She has authored more than a hundred and fifty books in thirteen series. Find out more about her books at www.kathidaley.com
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