Читать книгу Celia's Shadow - Sandy Levy Kirschenbaum - Страница 35

“Hello, this is Celia. How can I help you?” She didn’t bother to read the caller ID.

“Hey, it’s me. What’s new?” Ramona’s voice was particularly upbeat, which caused Celia concern.

“Not much. What’s going on?” She punched her fist in the air as she remembered their last evening together.

“My brother is coming back to Boston. He asked me to ask if you want to get together again.”

Oh, the booper. “Wow, he’s coming back again? So soon?” She reached for an advertising circular from the newspaper on the chair next to her desk. She started to leaf through the pages as they spoke.

“So soon? Celia, he was here over a month ago! I want you to know he specifically asked for you. He liked you a lot, Celia. You should consider yourself honored. He doesn’t take to people too easily.”

Wonder if anyone has ever confronted him on that booping thing? “I’m kind of busy. I don’t know.” Celia hedged. She didn’t want to decline too rapidly. She picked up a green highlighter and flipped through the pages of the Linen Closet circular. She began to highlight pictures of sheets, towels, and kitchen gadgets. She was half-listening to Ramona.

“He’ll be here over the weekend. He said he truly enjoyed meeting you the last time he visited. He thought you were very nice and wants to get together with you. That is, if you’re available.”

Celia pushed the circular to the side of her desk and focused on their conversation. “I think he’s nice, too, and very handsome.” She told the truth about his appearance. “Unfortunately, I have plans for the weekend. If they fall through, I’ll let you know.” She felt guilty for lying, but knew she had to lie to avoid another night out with Ramona and Booper Boy.