Wallbanger(57)

did my stomach care so much that he wouldn’t be going?

“I see,” I added, again fascinated by the raisins.

“But I’l be back before Tahoe. I was planning on just driving straight there when I finish my shoot,” he said, looking at me over the rim of his

coffee mug.

“Oh, wel , that’s good,” I answered quietly, my stomach now bouncing al around.

“When are you headed up, anyway?” he asked, seeming to now be studying his own bowl.

“The girls are driving up with Neil and Ryan on Thursday, but I have to stay in the city to work until at least noon on Friday. I’m gonna rent a car

and drive up that afternoon.”

“Don’t rent a car. I’l swing through to pick you up,” he offered, and I nodded without a word.

That settled, we finished our breakfast and watched Clive chase a stray piece of fluff around the table over and over again. We didn’t talk

much, but whenever we met each other’s eyes, we both grinned.

Text between Mimi and Sophia:

Did you know Caroline is working with James?

James who?

James Brown, obviously. Who else?

NO! What the hel ?

Remember she mentioned she had a new client? She neglected to mention who he was.

I’m gonna kick her ass when I see her next. She better not cancel on Tahoe. Did Ryan tel you he was bringing his guitar?

Yep, he told me you wanted to have some kind of fucked-up singalong.

He did? Haha. I just thought it would be fun.

Text between Neil and Mimi:

Hey, Tiny, are we stil bowling with Sophia and Ryan tonight?

Yep, and you better bring your A game. Sophia and I are pretty severe.

Sophia knows how to bowl? Wow.

Why is that wow?

I just wouldn’t have expected her to bowl is al . See you tonight.

Text between Neil and Simon:

You still planning on heading up with us this weekend?

Yep, but I’m coming a little late, have a shoot

When are you coming up?

Fri night sometime, stopping thru the city on my way

Why the hell are you going back into the city? You’re doing that shoot in Carmel, right?

I just need to pick up some shit for the weekend.

Dude, pack your shit and get your ass to Tahoe.

I wil , but I’m picking up Caroline.

I see.

You see nothing.

I see everything.

You sure about that, Big Boy? What about Sophia?

Sophia? Why is everyone asking me about Sophia?

See you in Tahoe.

Text between Mimi and Caroline:

You have some splainin’ to do, Lucy…

Oh no, I hate it when you go Ricardo on me.

What the hell did I do?

Explain to me why you didn’t tel me about your new client.

Caroline, don’t ignore my text! CAROLINE!!

Oh, settle down. This is exactly why I did NOT tell you.

Caroline Reynolds, this is news that obviously

I should have known about!

Look, I can handle it okay?? He’s my client, nothing more. He’s going to spend an obscene amount of money

on this project.

I frankly don’t care how much he’s spending.

I don’t want you working with him.

Listen to yourself! I will take on whatever new client

I damn well please! I have this under control.

We’l see…Did I hear a rumor that you’re driving

up to Tahoe with Wal banger?

Wow, subject change. Yes, I am.

Good. Take the long way.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Mimi?? You there??

Damn you, Mimi… HELLO??

Text between Caroline and Simon:

Wallbanger… come in Wallbanger

Wal banger isn’t here, only the exorcist

Not even a little bit funny.

What’s up?

What time are you picking me up tom?

I should be back in the city by noon.

If you can knock off work we can beat rush hour.

Already told Jillian I’m taking a half day.

Where are you right now?

In Carmel, on a cliff overlooking the ocean

Boy, are you a closet romantic…

I’m a photographer. We go where the money shot is.

Oh man, we’re not discussing money shots.

Besides, I thought you were the romantic one

I told you, I’m a practical romantic.

Wel then practical y speaking, even you would appreciate this sight—waves crashing, sun setting, it’s nice

Are you alone?

Yep

Bet you wish you weren’t.

You have no idea

Pfft… you old softie

There’s nothing soft about me, Caroline.

And we’re back…

Caroline?

Yep

See you tomorrow

Yep

Text between Caroline and Sophia:

Can you give me the address again to the house

so I can plug it into the GPS tom?

No

No?

Not until you tel me WHY YOU’RE HIDING JAMES BROWN.

Jesus, it’s like having 2 more mothers…



This isn’t about sitting up straight or eating more vegetables, but we do need to have a conversation about your posture.

Unbelievable.

Seriously, Caroline, we just worry.