Melissa’s Reviews > In Your Dreams > Status Update

James- “I don’t…I can’t have a heart attack right now. There are too many people relying on me.”
Dr. Macky’s head tilts empathetically. “James, if I can speak frankly, a heart attack doesn’t give a shit about your schedule or how many people depend on you. It’s time to take care of yourself and get your blood pressure under control before it becomes a long-term problem like it has for your dad.”

“Are you ready to cooperate? Because this is serious and I need your honest answers. Based on your elevated blood pressure reading, something is going on, and I can’t get to the bottom of it if you don’t answer my questions honestly.”

Dr Macky to James
BP trouble
Me too
Let’s figure things out.

“And you’re aware that you scheduled this appointment because you were concerned about your dizzy spells, headaches, sleeplessness, and fatigue? Right? I didn’t break into your house and abduct you, throw you into a van and force you to sit on the crinkle paper you’ve hated since you were ten years old while I examine you.”

Dr Macky to James
Figure out cause of his problems

When his parents died, our friendship became 1 of the most important relationships in his life. He leaned on me in a way he couldn’t with his sisters. I’ll always be there for him & he’ll always be there for me. Even when we’re busy & go long stretches of time without seeing each other, it will never affect our friendship. We’re brothers that chose each other, and that bond is stronger than sharing DNA.
J+N

“But can you really blame me? Look at you! Have you always had these muscles? Good lord, you’re a sex pistol, James. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be weird….”

Madison tells James she saw him in a towel after his shower.
Confession time

“Just that you like your new experiences wrapped in a familiar, comfy old quilt. You know? To keep your sentimental squishy heart warm and safe.”
He makes a wincing noise. “Cool. That sounds sexy.”
I laugh, not at all expecting him to say that. “Is sexy your goal?”
“Of course sexy is the goal. It’s everyone’s goal. If they say it isn’t, they’re lying.”

How can I have known James all this time and also not know that he’s a little squishy on the inside? It makes me wonder how many other things I’m missing from the James Huxley essentials.
Madison

He’s squishy. 😆

Madison- Decision-making isn’t my strong suit on a good day, but especially when I’m in a creative funk or I’ve just seen James Huxley in a towel.

His bathroom door opens, releasing a billow of steam, and James walks out in nothing but a white towel. Water droplets cling to his skin, and his hip bones seem to hold the towel up with passive indifference.

Passive indifference
Love this description

That’s why I couldn’t refuse James’s offer to run his restaurant. To live on this farm and be part of the magic I always wanted to live inside.

Madison wants to be part of the Huxley magic