Chapter 43
43
Natalie
8:00 a.m. PDT
Thinking of you. Did you sort everything out with your deal?
12:13 p.m. PDT
Sorry, was still in the meeting. Yes, sorted things out. Shit, gotta go
2:11 p.m. PDT
Everything okay?
3:15 p.m. PDT
3:47 p.m. PDT
Sorry, things got a little hairy again. Maybe we can try to talk once I’m home.
That would be awesome.
I’ll call you.
4:25 p.m. PDT
I’m sorry—haven’t left yet. Some stuff came up.
No worries! Time zones are in our favor.
5:41 p.m. PDT
Think it’s going to be around 8:30 your time by the time I can call.
Geez—are you really going to be there till 11:30?
Looks like it. I’m so sorry.
The first Wedding Launch is tonight, so—why don’t I call you when I get back from that?
Perfect.
9:27 p.m. PDT
Okay, I’m back. You up?
7:19 a.m. PDT
God! I’m so sorry. I came home and lay down on the couch with my phone and the next thing I knew it was morning. I didn’t want to text and wake you up.
7:34 a.m. PDT
It’s okay! I get it. Can you talk now?
I call his office line, because he gave me the number in case I needed it.
A man answers.
“Franklin?” I ask.
“And who would this be, pray tell?”
“This is Natalie.”
There’s a long silence. Then Franklin says, “Natalie. Would you by any chance happen to be a big fan of Italian pastry?”
“That’s me,” I say.
“Did you like the food?”
“I loved it! Thank you so much!”
“Don’t thank me,” he says. “I was paid generously for my time. It’s just nice to see Preston doing something that isn’t work.”
“Speaking of Preston, any chance you can squeeze me into his schedule?”
“That implies that he has a schedule, other than ‘respond to the latest crisis.’ He’s in a meeting right now,” Franklin says. “But I can have him call you when he gets out.”
“That would be awesome.”
1:09 p.m. PDT
Can I call you now?
3:04 p.m. PDT
Damn, sorry, was running body painting. I could call you now?
6:32 p.m. PDT
Are you still at work?
9:42 p.m. PDT
Preston? I’m heading to bed. Miss you. Good night!
10:14 p.m. PDT
I’m so sorry—I’m going to try to come home this weekend to see you?—
7:19 a.m. PDT
That would be amazing.
8:03 a.m. PDT
Scratch that. New crisis. But the weekend after. I swear. I’m so, so sorry Natalie.