Page 53 of One Week

Corrie shrugs. “It’s the only word I could think of that rhymes with ‘envy’.

I smirk and shake my head. “I’m gonna miss you guys.”

Maeve smiles. “It’s only for a week.”

Yes, one week.

That’s all I get.

Chapter Twenty-Two

TWO DAYS.

In two days, I’ll be in Copenhagen. I can’t quite believe this is all happening. Just a few months ago, my life was normal. Now I’m packing and jetting off to Europe to meet a gorgeous almost-stranger, and possibly… I can’t even go there. It all seems so surreal.

My phone pings again — another funny photo from Eli. This time, the banana is sitting on a boat. I laugh out loud. So far, Mrs. Banana has been seen cycling, browsing at a bookstore, eating a hotdog, and boating on the canal. She always wears the purple hat and the red heels.

No one makes me smile like you,I write.

He sends me a happy face.

Well, not quite true. My kids make me smile too. They’re pretty funny.

—

They seem very sweet.

—

Do you have a thing for red heels?

—

Yep, you got me.

—

Who makes you smile?

I watch the dots anxiously, curious.

You… Floyd, and my buddy, Trevor… he’s hilarious. Are you busy packing? he asks. Remember, lots of warm clothes. It’s still cold here.

—

Yes, Sir. I’ve packed my sparkly scarf, fall jacket, gloves, and riding boots.

I’ve checked off my list, and I’m pretty sure I’ve got everything; casual clothing, pretty underwear, dresses, heels, and even…

I grab the black negligee, and rub the silky material between my fingers. Just the thought of wearing this for him arouses me. I’m suddenly feeling bold.

I video call him. I know exactly what I’m doing, and I also know that I probably shouldn’t be doing it.

“Hi,” he says. “It’s nice to see you.”

“I know,” I say. “We don’t video chat often.”

“And who’s to blame for that?!” he teases.