The Unidentified Redhead (Redhead #1)(75)
Author: Alice Clayton

My room was on seventeen, high enough to have a great view. And since it was the W, my room was tricked out. We were setting everything down when my phone rang. I flopped across the bed to grab it, and when I saw it was Jack, I smiled hugely.

“Hey, Johnny Bite Down! How are you?” I asked.

“Hey, yourself. How was your flight?”

“It was good. Long … but good.” I sighed.

“Sounds like me … long and good.” He chuckled.

“Ha ha, very funny. I miss you already, you know,” I said, dropping my voice a little.

“I know. I miss you, too. I’m sorry I missed your call earlier. Is it too early for phone sex?” He laughed.

Michael stuck his head out from the closet where he had been putting my bags away. “Hey, Grace, do you want this one in the bathroom?” he asked.

“Yeah, that’s fine, thanks,” I called out. “So, phone sex, can it wait until later tonight? I want to be able to give you my full attention,” I continued.

“Who was that?” he asked, his voice curious.

“Oh, Michael was here at the hotel when I got here, and we were just about to go grab a drink after I get settled in,” I answered.

“Are you in your room?” he inquired, his voice still curious, but with a slight edge to it.

“Yep, he helped me get my bags up here, and then we’re heading back down to the bar,” I answered, rolling my eyes.

“Uh huh,” he muttered.

How cute, he was a little jealous.

“Oh, Sweet Nuts, I really wish I could see your face right now, along with other parts.” I laughed, and he loosened up.

“Well, I’ll tell you what. You go have your drink and then call me later. I’m heading out soon, too. I’m actually doing an open mike tonight.”

“You are! Wow, I really wish I was there for that,” I said, chewing on my lip. I knew he did those from time to time, it just had never happened while we were together. I would kill to see him sing on a stage, just him and his guitar. I thought of all the mornings he had played me my own action soundtrack while I got ready, and I smiled.

“I wish you were too, love. I’ll speak to you soon then, yes?” he said softly.

“Yes. I love you, George.”

“I love you, too, Gracie.”

And with that, we hung up. I sat on the bed for a moment, and then Michael came back in. He sat down next to me. “I thought his name was Jack … ”

“What?” I asked, coming out of my haze.

“You called him George … I thought his name was Jack,” he said again, looking puzzled. I gazed back at my old friend, a look of puzzlement on his kind face.

“It is Jack. The George is a long story. Let’s go get that drink.” I smiled.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself off the bed and headed out of the room with Michael close on my heels. As the door swung shut behind us, I saw the lights of New York twinkling beyond the window.

I was here, and it was time for me to shine.