Status Updates From Kiss Me Quick (The Cinderel...

“I’m in love with you, Juliana. Forever sounds pretty f*ing perfect.” Her eyes glinted, but she held firm, his stoic little thing. “I love you too. I can’t believe it, but I do. I am. In love. With you.”

I’m fine,” JJ said, lying through her teeth. She felt achy and rotten. Maybe she was getting the flu. Or legionnaires disease. Or... Oh shut-up, she told herself. You walked away from the best man you’ve ever met, one who wants to see more of you. You don’t have the flu. You have Idiot Syndrome. If only it was curable.

But this wasn’t real life. It was a moment out of time. One that was fast nearing its end. A moment, nevertheless, she knew she’d never regret. Even if having opened herself up to it so wholly she already knew she’d feel the lack of it, of him, for the rest of her life.

“I’m not worth losing your job over.” F**k. Kane’s fingers gripped the diving board so hard it protested audibly. Whoever did a such number on this woman to make her think such a thing deserved to be shot. Hung. Drawn and quartered. Then kicked in the nuts a few times to drive the point home.

Hazel’s eagle eyes spotted JJ’s drink. “What are you having, dear?”
“Virgin Mary.”
“More like a Bloody Shame.”

“I’m not sleeping in your office.” He looked down at her through those clear blue eyes, so clear they could be mistaken for guileless if she wasn’t fully aware the man was smart, sharp, and okay, so he was attracted to her too. It was palpable in the small space. “I’m not suggesting we share the sofa bed, Juliana.

Subjects ranged from the famous cranberry and flaxseed smoothie made on the Rio Deck that did great things for one’s 'morning constitution', to the hotly contested couples bridge tournament. And—no, please god, let the rumour not be true—early afternoon Tantric yoga with extra (hands on) help for anyone with arthritis.

No next-in-a-long-line-of-temp-jobs to navigate. For the interim, at least. No trains rumbling past her temporary bedroom window. No Friday phone call home telling her mum that No she didn’t have a boyfriend, no she didn’t have a career, no she didn’t have a fixed address, and no she didn’t mind at all.