Julia laughed, but nodded into her sister’s hair. “Promise.”
“Pinky swear?”
“Pinky swear,” she said as they twisted their little fingers together. “But, um, that’s not actually why I came here.”
McKenna rolled her eyes. “I know. You need my special touch, and I know just how to pull this off. But I’m paying for it, and there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.”
“Fine. But only because you want to.”
“And we’re going to need Chris’s help.”
“Somebody call my name?” Chris said, walking bleary-eyed down the hall, wearing only his lounge pants.
“Did you actually wake up when I said your name?” McKenna asked.
“No,” he said, rubbing his hand against his eyes. “I’m pretty sure it was the ‘Don’t ever do that again’ screeching that rousted me at three in the morning.”
“We need your help.”
“Is this another crazy scheme of yours, McKenna?” he asked arching an eyebrow.
“Yes, but it’s in the name of love, and isn’t love worth everything?”
He looped his arms around his wife and planted a kiss on her cheek. She leaned into it, and smiled. Julia didn’t feel jealous. Not one bit. She had that in her life. Waiting for her on the other side of the country. “Of course,” he said.
* * *
“I’m going to miss you so much,” Julia said.
“I’m going to miss you too. But we’ll see each other.”
“We will.”
“And don’t worry about a thing. I’ll take care of everything. Every-single-thing. Now go.”
Julia wrapped her sister in one final hug, and then said goodbye as the sun rose over San Francisco.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 9:45 AM
subject: You too
I would have called you last night when I read your note, but it was one-thirty in the morning my time, and I didn’t want to wake you up. But I was over the moon! I literally danced on my bed, and screamed with happiness. Does that make me an awful witch for celebrating a man’s potential incarceration? I hope not. And I can’t think of a better present. Well, I can think of a better present . . .
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 6:47 AM
subject: Late-night calls
Did I somehow give you the impression I would be unreceptive to a middle of the night call from you? I’d answer anytime. Be ready anytime. I am always ready.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 10:12 AM
subject: Ready or not?
I didn’t want to be rude and wake you up. But what you did is amazing. I can’t believe you found him. Wait. I can believe it. You are some kind of master fixer.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 7:27 AM
subject: Call me Mr. Fix-It
I can fix things around the house too. I am very good with my hands.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 10:52 AM
subject: Yes. You are.
I believe I am well acquainted with your manual dexterity.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 8:01 AM
subject: Come again
You should get reacquainted with it.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 11:20 AM
subject: Your note from last night . . .
So . . . this whole adoration thing . . . are we talking pedestal, shrine or just overall worship level?
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 8:31 AM
subject: More than worship
You are adored on every level. I can’t even joke about it because it’s all too true.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 11:48 AM
subject: Exciting news!
I won a contest for my Purple Snow Globe!
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 9:07 AM
subject: As you predicted the night I met you
Tell me more.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 12:32 PM
subject: Be my attorney
Big drink company offered me a contract. I might need a lawyer to look at the fine print.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 9:48 AM
subject: Waiving my fee
I’ll do it for you. You can pay me in blow jobs.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 1:05 PM
subject: My kind of payday
I’d give you those for free.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 10:23 AM
subject: Mine too
I want more.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 1:33 PM
subject: Restrained
I’d give you more anyway. Maybe you can tie me up, tie me down, or tie me all around.
from: [email protected]
date: June 8, 10:52 AM
subject: Bound and Tied
Don’t tease me. You know I love the way you look in my ties.