skipped the long blocks back to her building. So much she planned for, so much she worked for and it may just happen yet.
Eamon was in London on a job. The time difference sucked but she wanted to tell him about the interview. She’d have to wait because it was six there in Seattle so it was still the middle of the night for him. She wanted to reach out to him, wanted to share this thing with him because she knew he’d understand what it meant.
Putting it from her mind, she made herself some soup and hit the books.
***
Eamon woke up and began to pack. He’d be heading back to New York that afternoon and then LA a few days later. He missed his own bed but more than that, he missed not talking to Caitlin more frequently.
As if he’d summoned her like magic, his cell rang.
“Hello, Cat, it’s awfully late for you, darlin’,” he said without preamble when he answered.
She laughed and he heard the weariness.
“I was just about to go to sleep, but I figured you’d be awake by now and I wanted to catch up with you. With all your jet setting, it’s hard.”
“I wanted to ring you, but I’m afraid to wake you up. Selfishly, I’m glad you stayed up to call. I’ve been up a few hours now. You could have woken me up you know. I’m just packing my bags. The cab will be here in a few hours to run me to Heathrow. I’ll have a meal with Hannah and Billy before I go.” He tossed himself on the bed. “You sound knackered.”
“I am but it’s worth it to talk to you. I don’t have to be in school tomorrow until eleven so I have some time to sleep in.”
He knew she wouldn’t. That was her way.
“I got an interview with the AG’s office,” she told him excitedly, following up with the details. He smiled, knowing it was what she wanted, knowing it made her so happy.
“That’s great news, Cat! I’m proud of you. I know how hard you’ve worked for it.” What a feather in her cap this would be if she got the job. God knew she deserved it, she spent every waking moment working for it.
“Thank you. And how did your work go?”
“I did two classes that were totally sold out. Shot two weddings, a lot of commercial stuff I hadn’t even planned on, as well as my other jobs. Some portraiture, that sort of thing.”
“Nudes?” she teased.
“A few.” And not a one of them even tantalized him. Sure he appreciated the beauty of a woman’s body. He worked with many young, nubile and fit women, many of them scantily clad or naked. But it was his memory of Caitlin, her hair in a messy topknot, glasses slipping down her nose as she sat curled up somewhere reading that made him want to reach for his zipper.
“Mmm hmm. You sound so casual.”
“It’s a job. Pretty women, sure. But you’re the one I want to get naked for lascivious reasons. Although if you’d let me photograph you naked, you’d make my entire year.”
“Pffft. So you’ll be in New York for a few days and then back to LA?”
“Indeed. I’m meeting with a guy from NYU who’s interested in setting up some classes back and forth between the coasts using photographers from a wide array of styles and voices. He’s the person I’m writing the grant with. I’ve got some miles stored up, by the way. Seattle isn’t too far afield if you have the time? Like say, over Thanksgiving?”
“As a matter of fact, I’m done with school by the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. I have a few exams the second week in December but I could totally use a visit from a friend. I’ll make you turkey if you like. That is, if you’re sure you want to be away from your family.”
“Thanksgiving is an American holiday, Cat. I’m happy to spend some time with you. It’s been months and months since I’ve had you last. You smell good and you’re quite the cook. I’ll look into a flight and my work schedule and I’ll get back to you.”
They spoke for a few more minutes. He wanted more, loving the sound of her voice but she was so tired, he wanted
Abigail Roux
Lydia Adamson
D. W. Jackson
Tom Harper
Mandy M. Roth
Shelley Gray
Faith Price
Ted Nield
Kait Nolan
Margaret Atwood