12
It required a long application of solitude and reflection to recover her. —Persuasion
Johnny Love leads me into my house. But all I can think about is Freddy’s lips on mine. I’m stunned. Did that really happen? Did Freddy and I kiss? And now he’s leaving for a few weeks. What rotten timing.
“April, you’re soaked!” September greets us in the entryway. “What happened?”
“Freddy drove me home in his Jeep, and it rained. It actually rained.”
“That’s great! You two must have been working on my song.”
I nod, my hair and clothes dripping water onto the black and white tiles in our entryway.
“Is it any good?” she asks.
“The rain?” I ask, confused.
“No, the song for my wedding.”
“I think so,” I say through chattering teeth.
“Why don’t we let April change into something dry,” suggests Johnny. “I came over to talk to you, September, and possibly your father.” I stare at Johnny; my shock must be evident in my face. “I’ll explain everything,” he says with a self-satisfied smile. “But first, you need to warm up.”
***
After a long, hot shower, I put on pajama bottoms and Freddy’s oversized USD Law sweatshirt, my favorite article of clothing. I’m not ready to go downstairs. Freddy and I kissed. Or at least we started a really good kiss. It was surreal with the thunder and the headlights and Johnny Love appearing out of nowhere. I don’t think he saw the kiss. He certainly didn’t act like he did. But maybe that’s just how he is. He was nice on our last date, I try to remind myself. I just really wish he hadn’t shown up, and Freddy and I could have finished that kiss.
I call my cousin, the only family other than my dad who knows about my history with Freddy.
Lettie picks up on the first ring. “Rainy!”
“Freddy kissed me.”
“He kissed you? What happened? Tell me everything!” One of the best things about Lettie is that she’s invested in my life. She’s never going to dismiss my thoughts or feelings. I know she’s on my side, no matter what. Which, sadly, is not how I feel about my dad or even September.
“We barely kissed. We were interrupted but it was the start of a really good kiss.” She squeals and I continue to tell her everything that’s happened at the bonfire and since. She asks all the right questions. She also doesn’t hold back her opinion.
“Sounds like Freddy has become a bit of a player,” she tuts.
“I know. I wanted to think the gossip sites were exaggerating his behavior. But he was hardcore flirting with Daisy and Rosie the same night.”
“And then he stayed up late texting you,” Lettie reminds me.
“Yeah, and fool that I am, I almost fell for him all over again. Only to have him stand me up the next day.”
“So why did you kiss him?” asks Lettie.
“You had to be there. It was so romantic with the rain and his fingers on my face.” I recall the rough rasp of his callouses. He didn’t have those five years ago.
“I get it. He’s totally hot.”
“He’s literally the Sexiest Man in the World!” I laugh cry.
“Trust me, I get being attracted to someone when you don’t want to be. But Rainy, I’m not sure he’s still the same guy you fell in love with.”
“Me either. It’s probably good we didn’t finish that kiss. It’s probably best that he’ll be on the road. My traitorous body still thinks I’m in love with him.”
“That makes sense. This is the same Freddy West you talked about ad nauseam while we were roommates.”
“Sorry about that. You know, I’m beginning to worry that I’ve been in love with a creation of my imagination.”
“Maybe, or more likely, he’s changed. It can’t be good for anyone to have everyone around them telling them how wonderful they are.”
“That’s why you are good for me. You’re not afraid to call out my BS.”
“I don’t have to do that often. And you know I actually think you are wonderful,” says Lettie in a softer tone.
“I’m not sure what I’d do without you. Thanks for taking my call. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important.”
“No, I’m just finishing the edits of my most recent book.”
Lettie is a romance writer. She writes under a pen name and works two other jobs. I have repeatedly offered her a job as my assistant. She needs the extra money as she waits for her career to take off. But she always refuses my sincere offer. Lettie would make a spectacular assistant. But she’s stubbornly independent and doesn’t want any handouts from her wealthy cousin.
“What’s going on with Johnny Love?” she asks.
“I have no idea. Actually, he’s here; he came to see September. I can’t imagine why. I should go find out.”
“Uh, yeah, why are you talking to me? Go find out, and then tell me all about it.”
“You’re the only person I can talk to about this, about Freddy.”
“I’m always happy to talk with you. But you should probably tell your sister about him.”
“Maybe, but I don’t think she would be very empathetic. Engaged people are always so self-absorbed.”
“Then keep calling me. I’m perpetually single.”
“What about that guy—the hot, rich one?”
“Darcy? He’s the worst. I made him the villain in my book.”
“You did not!” I laugh.
“I certainly did.”
“What if he finds out?”
“He won’t. There’s no way he’d read a self-published romance. The guy’s a total snob.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Go see why Johnny Love is there. I’m dying of curiosity.”
“Just for you.”
I called Lettie because, after my morning with Freddy, I didn’t want to spend my afternoon with Johnny Love. I hope I delayed long enough and he has left. As I descend the stairs, I hear my dad’s laugh and Johnny Love’s too-smooth voice. I pause midway. Maybe I can retreat. Johnny and my dad step into the tiled entryway and look up at me on the staircase.
“April!” Dad’s voice booms. He slaps Johnny on the back. “This guy has saved the day. He has generously offered to host September’s wedding.”
For a moment, I’m speechless. Johnny smiles at me with a hint of triumph in his eye. I’m annoyed but also impressed. Well played, Johnny Love. Hosting the wedding is such a huge favor that I can’t help but feel I’m in his debt.
“Wow!” I say. “That’s very generous.”
“Carlos and I are going to check it out tomorrow,” September says entering the room, bent over her phone as she taps away. “The photos look divine.” For my sister, I know that having her wedding at a celebrity’s private home, Johnny Love’s no less, means just as much as the setting. After Johnny goes, I will point out to her that having the wedding at his place will leave me in an uncomfortable situation. But I already know how that conversation will end. I have no sway with my sister. Also, with the wedding so soon, we might not find another option.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask Johnny. “It’s a big ask.”
“You didn’t ask, did you? This is something I want to do.” He looks at me sweetly. I’m confused by this guy. He seems to like me. But deep in my gut, I sense that he has an ulterior motive. I just can’t figure out what it might be.