Page 99 of The Love Hoax

The ladies exchange glances.

“What?”

When no one answers me, I say to Sam, “Caroline’s got you covered. Don’t you, Caroline?”

“Sure, Sam, send me the paperwork.”

We all chuckle, and take long sips of our mojitos, each of us relaxed and in terrific moods.

“How long are you in town for this time?” Mo asks me. I’ve been going back and forth to Yosemite to spend time with Adam and start my new job. I’m deeply in love with both the man and the work. My sons have come out twice to visit, the four of us hiking and playing pool. The guys get along better than I could have ever wished for.

“I’m not sure. Adam has some business to tend to in California. Jeffrey is graduating next month and I want to host the party.”

Jeffrey received a job offer in Los Angeles. He’s moving after graduation. It will be a combination graduation and bon voyage party.

If Daniel ever relocates out there, I’d have all my peeps on the West Coast.

All, except for these magnificent ladies. I make a mental note to attend these get-togethers even if it means traveling to be here.

Barbie asks Caroline, “How’s Dr. Handsome? He still making house calls?” She makes air quotes over the last two words.

“As a matter of fact, Calvin has asked to come by once or twice. I’m starting to wonder if he thinks there’s more between us than a doctor-patient relationship. Crazy, right?”

While she lifts her hand to get the waiter’s attention, the rest of us shake our heads in disbelief. Caroline is clueless. Or in denial. She’s been through an awful time losing her husband. I’m not sure she’s finished grieving.

I sense someone coming up behind me and wait for Caroline to order another round of mojitos.

Instead, Barbie, Mo, and Sam who are sitting across from me have their mouths ajar. People at the next table have paused their conversations. Everyone is looking past me and Caroline.

Caroline turns around and says, “Oh.”

Now it’s my turn. I shift my body and peer behind me.

There is Adam.

He’s wearing a suit and tie, holding a bouquet of red roses. I’m frozen to my seat.

Until all four women offer a loud whisper. “Get up, Evie,” they say in unison.

Some force helps me move to a stand. “Adam, honey. I thought you were in California, working.”

His stance tells me to stay back, like he has something he needs to get off his chest.

“I was, but something suddenly came up here in New York.”

“Oh? Is everything okay?”

He takes a deep breath, beads of sweat lining his forehead. “No, not really. Not until I say what I came here for.”

A fleeting bout of nerves runs through me. I force it away. No man shows up with roses and bad news.

“Evie.” He clears his throat. “You’re a strong, brilliant, resilient, fun, independent, and sexy woman. And an amazing mom to two incredible sons. You captured my heart.”

I’m beyond touched at this grand gesture. He’s managed to surprise me by showing up in New York, not once but twice.

I wait for him to hand me the flowers. Instead, he drops to one knee, setting the bouquet aside. Someone gasps.

That someone would be me.