Christmas in Bethel

Chapter Nine

He wants me to meet him in New York. I really have no idea why he’s so interested in me. Maybe he needs a kidney donor.

Beth Stilton’s Diary

I woke sad. Back to my normal dull life. I got out of bed, made my coffee, and was about to get in the shower when I remembered that I hadn’t turned my phone on. I’ll admit that there was still some hope that there might be a text from Lee, but I forced myself to push it away. Yesterday had been a day of minute-to-minute heartbreak. I didn’t want to start my day the way it had ended. Then my phone started vibrating. Three text messages popped up on my phone.

Sorry it’s so late. It’s Lee. You there?

Hello? Anybody there?

It’s morning. Wake up already.

I smiled. He hadn’t forgotten me. Then I saw that I had two voicemail messages. I was about to listen to the first one, when my phone rang. It was him. I took a deep breath. Don’t sound too eager.

“Good morning, rock star,” I said.

“Oh, good. You answered. I was about to call your neighbors to have them do a welfare check on you.”

“You don’t know my neighbors.”

“I know. It was hyperbole. How are you?”

“I’m good. Better now that you called.”

“Sorry I didn’t call you yesterday, my day was nonstop. By the time I got back to the hotel it was past midnight.”

“You’re an important guy.”

“That’s what they tell me,” he said. “Did you watch my segment?”

“Of course I did.”

“How did I do?”

“You were handsome, well-spoken, charismatic…”

“But did I make people want to read the book?”

“If I wasn’t already a fan, I’d be one now.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear,” he said. “What are you doing?”

“I was just about to get in the shower. Then work.”

“Well, I’m suddenly feeling a little awkward, so I’ll just say it. I know we just met, but I miss you.”

There was a long pause. I wasn’t sure if he was going to say more, or if it was my turn.

“Are you still there?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m here. I was…” I sighed. “Since we’re being honest, I spent the whole day hoping you’d call and afraid that you had already forgotten me.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t call right away.”

“No, this is wonderful. I’m so glad you called.”

“So am I. I’m in New York for three more days. I have more media today and a book signing in Long Island tonight, then tomorrow I have meetings with my publisher. They’re celebrating the book release with a champagne toast. Would you like to join me?”

“In New York?”

“I doubt I could convince the whole publishing house to come to Lancaster, so if that’s okay, I can send a car. It’s faster than flying. Have you been to New York?”

“When I was a teenager. When do you want me to come?”

“When can you come?”

I had a very short battle between desire and not acting too eager. Desire won. “Anytime.”

“How about I send a car to pick you up tomorrow morning at nine? That way we can meet for lunch.”

“What should I wear?”

“Business casual. And I’ll need your address for the car service.”

“I’ll text it.”

“Then I’ll see you soon.”

“Wait, how long will I be there?”

“That depends on how long you want to stay.”

“How long are you in New York?”

“I’ll be here until Friday afternoon, then I’m headed to my house in the Cape for Thanksgiving.”

“Then I’ll leave when you do.”

“It’s up to you,” he said. “But bring some extra clothes just in case.”

“Okay,” I said. “Thank you for calling.”

“Thank you for answering. Ciao.”

We hung up. In case of what?