he placed everything right in Lisa's hands, but he didn't care. It would be worth every penny when the phone rang.
Rob stared at the pages on his desk, hoping nobody noticed he wasn't really doing anything.
Why did I put that song first? Maybe I should have put our song first? What if she doesn't like the mix…or doesn't get what I was trying to say…or doesn't even listen to it! Oh shit, what if she doesn't even read the letter! No, she'll read it. But will it work? Will she want me again? What am I going to do if she doesn't? Hell, what am I going to do if she does? I'll change…I'll have to change…I can do it…
"Earth to Rob." Tom upped the volume when Rob didn't answer.
"What? What's wrong?"
"That's what I'd like to know. Priya just asked you a question. Twice. What's wrong with you today?"
"I, ah…"
"He's waiting for a phone call," Paul said. "About the flowers from before."
"It must be pretty damned important for him to be that distracted," Tom said. "When is this call due?"
"We're not really sure. It's…"
Interrupting, Rob said, "Just tell them."
So he did. Paul explained about the break, about Rob's feelings about it, and about his last ditch effort to win her back.
"Geez, Rob," Tom said, "no offense, but you've always been such a player that it's hard to imagine you this hung up on one girl. I mean, I know you've been talking about her for months now, but I never figured…well…I never imagined you getting serious about anyone."
"You're not the only one," Rob lamented. "I hope this works. If it doesn't, I don't know what I'll do. I never realized how, ahh, hung up on her I was and if she doesn't…" He didn't finish the thought, not wanting to make real with words the thought of never seeing her again.
Priya stood and walked over to perch on the corner of Rob's desk. "Look, if a guy sent me what you sent to her, and I had any feelings for him at all, well, he'd be one lucky boy tonight."
Rob smiled. "So you think I have a chance?" He could see the compassion in her eyes.
"Rob, I can't predict what she'll do, but I can say she'd be a fool if she didn't give you another chance."
Paul and Tom voiced their agreement.
"Women are funny, Rob. We like to think we're always logical and reasonable, but the truth is we more often listen to our hearts than our heads when it comes to relationships. We want to know we're wanted, that we're appreciated."
She glanced over at Tom and Paul. "Are you two bozos paying attention? You're not likely to get this kind of lesson again anytime soon."
Turning back to Rob, she continued. "It sounds to me as if you've been taking her for granted. It's not enough to just be there, to go out, get laid, whatever. You have to let her know she's important, the most important person in your life. If you don't, eventually some other guy will.
"When was the last time you sent her flowers, or wrote her a note, or sent her a funny card. We love that stuff. It lets us know you're thinking of us, that you care about us enough to take the time to do something out of the ordinary.
"When was the last time you surprised her with a sexy negligee or a weekend on the Cape or at some pretty little Bed & Breakfast? How often did you give her a pat on the butt or a kiss on the top of her head or stroke her cheek as you were walking by her? Not often, I'll bet.
"Stuff like that lets us know you care. You guys seem to think love is all about grand gestures, expensive jewelry, fancy cars, and such.It's not. Sure, those things are nice, but love is really about the little things, the sweet little intimate things we do for each other. Anyone can plan a vacation or buy a necklace once in a while, but only someone who really cares about you does the little, everyday things.
"As for grand gestures, if you really want to show her how much you love her, next time she's sick or drinks too much, sit on the bathroom floor with her, hold her hair back, and comfort her as she pukes her guts out. That
Lea Hart
B. J. Daniels
Artemis Smith
James Patterson
Donna Malane
Amelia Jayne
John Dos Passos
Kimberly Van Meter
Kirsten Osbourne, Culpepper Cowboys
Terry Goodkind