Chapter Fifteen #2
Between the two of us, it was much easier to put it inside the trunk than it had been for me to carry it through the house.
Once we were inside the car, she turned to look at me. "How are you feeling?"
“He was home when I arrived."
Her eyes bugged out. "What the fuck? No. Oh, that idiot. He fought me so hard. I should have known that he had no intention of actually following through.” She frowned and dipped her head. “I'm really sorry. I should have checked the house before you went in."
"It's fine."
"No, it's not fine. He's an idiot."
"We already knew that. But he's an idiot who's now officially out of my life."
"Yes, that's right," Debbie said in a much softer voice. "How about that, huh?"
"It feels surprisingly good. I thought being in the house would be more painful, or that I’d have regrets. But I don’t.”
"Well, I’ll give that to Leo—the man has perfect timing. Giving you all of those orgasms before sending you off here."
I covered my mouth. "Oh my God, Debbie. I can't believe you said that."
"It's true, though, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," I admitted.
"So, here’s your po' boy," she said, leaning backward to grab a sandwich from the bag in the back.
"How about you?"
"I already had one. I was starving."
"What do you want to do for the rest of the afternoon?" I asked.
"Funny enough, a certain sexy Bostonian emailed me with some very generous spa gift cards."
I stopped in the act of biting into the po' boy. "Wait, what? Leo? You and Leo are communicating?"
"I wouldn't say communicating, but…" She cleared her throat. "I might have asked him how you were doing over these past few weeks."
"Debbie," I said, lowering the sandwich. "You've been spying on me?"
"I just wanted to make sure you're not putting up a brave face on the phone while secretly crying your eyes out."
"I would tell you if I was doing badly."
She shrugged. "I wanted to make sure."
"So, wait, he bought gift cards? I don't get it."
“He called me yesterday morning and asked what you usually do to relax. I told him that we go to our favorite spa. Next thing I knew, I had gift cards in my inbox."
Warmth filled my chest, spreading to my arms and legs and everywhere else. Finally, I took a bite of the po' boy and hummed. I didn't miss many things from NOLA, but I did miss the food.
"So, what do you want to do?" she asked.
"Umm, hello? We have gift cards to burn. Let's go to the spa."
“That’s my girl.”
Debbie put the car in Drive and headed down the road as I continued eating. After finishing the sandwich, I messaged Leo.
Tory: Debbie told me about the gift cards. Thank you. That made my day.
He replied quickly.
Leo: How are you feeling?
Tory: Perfect. Ready to leave the past behind.
Once Debbie and I arrived at the spa and changed into the comfy robes they gave us, I could feel myself relaxing already. "I can't believe we haven't been here before."
"It's not our usual price range."
I jerked my head back to look at her. "What do you mean?" I tightened my robe around me, swallowing hard.
"Let's just say that Leo is very generous. I like that in a man."
"Yes, of course," I agreed, “but I don't want him to think I’m taking advantage."
Debbie frowned as we headed over to the quiet area. The smell of jasmine was thick in the air, totally soothing.
"He offered. And come on, Leo is a good guy. He's not Walter."
“I know that.” I decided to let the subject drop. She was right. Leo was a generous man. I had no idea how to make it up to him for everything he'd done for me. But I was going to think of something.
As we lay down, I realized I was too restless to be still, but there were two other guests here, and I didn't want to annoy them with quiet chatter. To give myself something to do, I snapped a picture of myself and sent it to Leo.
Tory: Debbie and I are thoroughly enjoying this. Thank you for being so generous.
Leo: My pleasure. I wanted to make sure you have a great time.
I melted at his words.
Tory: How can I ever repay you?
Leo: Take a sexy pic.
I burst out laughing, and the two other guests gave me the side-eye. I covered my mouth with my hand. He was really good at this game.
Leo: What are you planning for the rest of your time in NOLA?
Tory: Just relaxing. And I'll probably buy some supplies for all of my astrology things.
Leo: You couldn’t find what you need in Boston?
Tory: I didn't look that hard, to be honest. Besides, I have my beauty stores here.
I didn't need much, just candles and incense.
Leo: So, besides new moon and full moon rituals, do you do other stuff?
Debbie was looking at me with a smile.
"What?" I asked, and she made a gesture to zip her lips. I remembered we were in the silent area, so I focused on my conversation again.
Tory: Yes. Those are the easiest. I'd love to do more with star events, but I'd need a telescope for that.
Leo: I can't fucking wait for you to be back.
I sucked in a breath. What would happen upon my return?
I wasn't even ready to think about it. Would things go back to the way they were before?
No, that wasn't really possible. Besides, the man had just asked me for sexy pics.
That was a clear sign that he didn't want to ignore our night together, and that was what I wanted to hear.
Tory: I can't wait to be back either.