If I thought that one telephone call would make me feel better about Michael’s absence, I was wrong. Granted, for the first couple of hours, as I returned to the shop and did my job, a sort of peace settled over me. I replayed our conversation in my head over and over, using it to block Lela’s thoughts and those of our customers as much as possible. I got a perverse assurance that Michael was suffering as much as I was, or at least nearly as much. I knew he missed me, and being missed is nice.

But even that glow couldn’t sustain me for too long. By the time I’d settled into Michael’s bed that night, the phone in my hand, my heart was aching and I felt nearly as alone as I had the day before. I called my mother to check in, and I could tell she was worried about me.

“Are you sure you want to stay out there again tonight? Isn’t it harder to be there—I mean, without Michael?”

I stifled a sigh. “I promised I’d stay with Lela until her parents get home, Mom. And no, it’s not harder. I can’t think of anything that would make this harder than it is. It’s actually kind of comforting to be out here. And it’s closer for work, too.”

My mother was silent for a beat. “Okay. If you say so. I just worry that you’re wallowing out there, with all that time on your hands.”

“As if I’d be so busy if I were home? At least here I have Lela.”

“And if you were at home, you’d have Amber and Cara and Anne—they’d be keeping your mind off everything.”

“Anne was out here last night. And Mom, no amount of distraction is going to make me feel better. This—this whole thing sucks. It just does. I’m miserable with Michael away. I don’t know if you can understand that. This next year is going to be incredibly difficult for me. Keeping busy isn’t going to change that.”

I knew that my mom was biting her tongue. I couldn’t hear her thoughts or read her moods from this distance, but I’d known her long enough to guess that much. I imagined that she was making up her mind to change the subject and take this up again later.

“Well, I guess we’ll see you after work on Thursday. Call me if you need anything—or if you want to talk. I’m always here for you.”

I softened my tone as I told her good-bye. She meant well, but it wasn’t a bad thing that we had a little distance right now.

I really didn’t expect Michael to call, and I had even begun to doze when the phone buzzed in my hand. Groggily I answered.

“Tasmyn?” Michael’s voice was low and vaguely amused. “Did I wake you up?”

“Mmmmm... ” I struggled through the layers of sleepiness. “No... well, kind of.”

“I’m sorry. I just wanted to tell you good night, and I love you.”

Warmth seeped through my drowsiness. “Well, then, I’m glad you woke me up. I never want to miss hearing that.”

His laugh was quiet and intimate. “I’ll never stop saying it. Did you have a good day?”

I tried to remember. “I think I did. The nursery was pretty busy, and then Lela and I made dinner here. We watched a movie... she’s trying to keep me busy, keep my mind off... well, you, I guess.”

“And is she succeeding?”

I sighed and snuggled down deeper into the pillows. “I don’t know. I still think of you. . oh, all the time?”

“Same here. You don’t have to worry about me forgetting you—everything I see reminds me of you. I see spots on campus where we could sit and read, places to eat... hey, and I saw a sign for alligator crossing, so that really made me think of you.”

I shivered and giggled. “Thanks. I’d just as soon leave the gators behind, if it’s all the same to you.” I yawned, hugely, unable to stop myself.

Michael sighed. “I better let you get back to sleep,” he said with regret. “My parents are in the hotel room anyway, waiting for me. We have to get up early tomorrow morning to move me into the dorm. So... good night. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Sleep well. Call me tomorrow?”

“The minute I have some privacy, I will. Sweet dreams.”

“I’m sure I will. After all, I’m sleeping in your bed. The pillows smell like you.” I breathed in deeply.

Michael groaned. “That’s not a visual I needed—you all warm and sleepy in my bed... ”

I smiled again, delighted at the yearning in his voice. “’Night, Michael... ” I sang.

“Good night, you shameless flirt.” I heard the click on the other end and gently set the phone on the nightstand. I had no doubt that my dreams tonight would be filled with Michael. For the moment at least, I couldn’t ask for any more.