I glance down at my phone and frown, there's a missed call from Jungkook. He never phones me. I call him straight back.
"Lalisa," he answers immediately.
"Hi," I murmur shyly.
"I have to return to Seattle. Something's come up. I am on my way to Hilton Head now. Please apologize to your mother - I can't make dinner." He sounds very businesslike.
"Nothing serious, I hope?"
"I have a situation which I have to deal with. I'll see you Friday. I'll send Taylor to collect you from the airport if I can't come myself." He sounds cold. Angry even. But for the first time, I don't immediately think it's me.
"Okay. I hope you sort out your situation. Have a safe flight."
"You too, baby," he breathes, and with those words, my Jungkook is back briefly. Then he hangs up.
Oh no. The last 'situation' he had was my virginity. Jeez, I hope it's nothing like that.
I gaze at my mom. Her earlier jubilation has metamorphosed into concern.
"It's Jungkook, he's had to go back to Seattle. He apologizes."
"Oh! That's a shame, darling. We can still have our barbecue, and now we have something to celebrate - your new job! You have to tell me all about it."
It's late afternoon, and Mom and I are lying beside the pool. My mother has relaxed to the point where she is literally horizontal now that Mr. Megabucks is not coming to dinner. As I lie in the sun, endeavoring to lose the pale, I think about yesterday evening and breakfast today. I think about Jungkook, and my ridiculous grin refuses to subside. It keeps creeping across my face, unbidden and disconcerting, as I recall our various conversations and what we did... what he did.
There seems to be tidal shift in Jungkook's attitude. He denies it but - he admits he's trying for more. What could have changed! What has altered since he sent his long email and when I saw him yesterday? What has he doneI sit up suddenly, almost spilling my Dr. Pepper. He had dinner with... her. Elena.
Holy Fuck!
My scalp prickles at the realization. Did she say something to himOh... to have been a fly on the wall during their dinner. I could have landed in her soup or on her wine glass and choked her.
"What is it, Lisa, honey?" Mom asks, startled from her torpor.
"I'm just having a moment, Mom. What time is it?"
"About 6:30 p.m., darling."
Hmm... he won't have landed yet. Can I ask him? Should I ask him? Or perhaps she has nothing to do with it. I fervently hope so. What did I say in my sleep Crap... some unguarded remark while dreaming about him, I bet Whatever it is, or was, I hope the sea of change is coming from within him and not because of her.
I am sweltering in this damned heat. I need another dip in the pool.
As I get ready for bed, I switch on my computer. I have heard nothing from Jungkook.
Not even a word that he's arrived safely.
From: Lalisa Manobal
Subject: Safe Arrival?
Date: June 2 2016 22:32 EST
Dear Sir,
Please let me know that you have arrived safely. I am starting to worry. Thinking of you.
Your Lily. x
Three minutes later, I hear the ping from my email in-box.
From: Jeon Jungkook
Subject: Sorry
Date: June 2 2016 19:36
Dear Miss Manobal,
I have arrived safely, and please accept my apologies for not letting you know. I don't want to cause you any worry, it's heart warming to know that you care for me. I am thinking of you too and as ever looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Jeon Jungkook
CEO, Jeon Enterprises Holdings Inc.
I sigh, Jungkook is back to formality.
From: Lalisa Manobal
Subject: The Situation
Date: June 2 2016 22:40 EST
Dear Mr. Jeon,
I think it is very evident that I care for you deeply. How could you doubt that? I hope your 'situation' is in hand.
Your Lily x
PS: Are you going to tell me what I said in my sleep?
From: Jeon Jungkook
Subject: Pleading the Fifth
Date: June 2 2016 19:45
Dear Miss Manobal,
I like very much that you care for me. The 'situation' here is not yet resolved.
With regard to your PS: The answer is - No.
Jeon Jungkook
CEO, Jeon Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Lalisa Manobal
Subject: Pleading Insanity
Date: June 2 2016 22:48 EST
I hope it was amusing. But you should know I cannot accept any responsibility for what comes out of my mouth when I am unconscious. In fact - you probably misheard me.
A man of your advanced years is surely a little deaf.
From: Jeon Jungkook
Subject: Pleading Guilty
Date: June 2 2016 19:52
Dear Miss Manobal,
Sorry, could you speak up? I can't hear you.
Jeon Jungkook
CEO, Jeon Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Lalisa Manobal
Subject: Pleading Insanity Again
Date: June 2 2016 22:54 EST
You are driving me crazy.
From: Jeon Jungkook
Subject: I hope so...
Date: June 2 2016 19:59
Dear Miss Manobal,
I intend to do exactly that on Friday evening. Looking forward to it!
;)
Jeon Jungkook
CEO, Jeon Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Lalisa Manobal
Subject: Grrrrrr
Date: June 2 2011 23:02 EST
I am officially pissed at you.
Goodnight.
Miss L. R. Manobal
From: Jeon Jungkook
Subject: Wild Cat
Date: June 2 2016 20:05
Are you growling at me Miss Manobal? I possess a cat of my own for growlers.
Jeon Jungkook
CEO, Jeon Enterprises Holdings Inc.
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Happyreading!!!
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Falling For The JEON
FantasyWhen literature student Lisa Manobal goes to interview young entrepreneur Jeon Jungkook, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unwordly, innocent Lisa is startled to realize she wants this man and despite his enigma...
