“I don’t know why you’re laughing. Sounds like you’re not far behind.”
He refused to agree with Terrence’s assessment, even if it was true. “I’ll be by your office later to talk to you about your tour schedule. I’ve gotten a few calls.”
“Okay. After I clear a few things off my desk and check in with Mrs. Lewis, I’m going up to the studio. So if I’m not at my desk, that’s where I’ll be.”
As soon as Terrence left, Donovan closed the magazine and tossed it on the corner of his desk. They had dodged a bullet this time, and he hoped their luck held. He checked the time and picked up the phone. “Vance Matthews,” he said, greeting the man on the other end of the phone.
“Donovan Wright,” came the booming reply. “Hey, man. I haven’t talked to you since you were out at the house a few months back. How ya been?”
He laughed. They had been greeting each other this way since high school. “Good. How’s Belinda?”
“She’s married to me. How do you think she’s doing?”
“That’s why I’m asking. I don’t know how she’s put up with you all these years.”
“At least I’ve got a woman. Hell, even Terrence is married.”
“Whatever, man. Anyway, I need a few passes to Disneyland. Belinda said she’d get me some whenever I needed them.”
“Ah, the real reason for this early morning call. Hold on. Hey, Lindy, Donovan’s on the phone,” Donovan heard him yell. “He wants those Mickey passes you promised.”
A moment later a soft voice came through the line. “Hi, Donovan. How many do you need?” Belinda worked at the Walt Disney Studios.
“Hey, Belinda. I’m not sure. There’s a special lady I’d like to take who’s never been.”
“You’re in luck. My brother was supposed to visit but had to cancel, so I have nine or ten park hopper tickets.”
“Park what?”
“Park hopper. You can go to both Disneyland and California Adventures.”
He hadn’t been to Disneyland in a long time and had forgotten about the second park. “That would be great.”
“You’re welcome to take them all. Give them away or take her again. We’ll be here after seven tonight, if you want to come by.”
“Thanks, Belinda. You’re the best. I’ll be over after I leave work tonight.” Donovan ended the call and smiled. Now it was time to show Simona that he was a man who kept his promises.
* * *
Simona waved at the security guard who had walked her to her car and drove out of the hospital lot. Between her busy day and late night, she was beyond tired, but as Donovan had said, it had been so worth it. She’d never doubted his bedroom skills but hadn’t expected the tenderness, which made it harder to keep from falling for him. She yawned. I hope Yasmine isn’t in a playing mood tonight. That morning, the little munchkin had been all smiles and babbling nonstop.
As soon as she entered her house, her cell rang. Simona prayed it wasn’t the hospital calling her back for an additional shift. Seeing Donovan’s name on the display made her smile.
“Hi, Donovan.”
“Hey, baby. I know you’re just getting off work, so I won’t hold you long.”
“It’s fine. Actually, I’m just walking in the house.”
“If you’re not busy on Saturday, I’d like to take you and Yasmine to Disneyland. As a matter of fact, I have enough passes for Eve and her sisters’ families, if they want to go, too.”
“Wow. Are you serious?”
“I promised you I’d take you, didn’t I? And I wanted to make up for being so bullheaded and not listening to your explanation.”
Her heart softened a little more. He told her he kept his promises, and he was proving it. “Yes, you did, and it wasn’t all your fault.”
“Can you find out if the others want to go and let me know?”
“I’ll ask and call you tomorrow. Thank you, Donovan.”
“Anytime. Kiss Yasmine for me, and get some rest. I know you need it after your day.”
“I will. Good night.” She stood in the middle of the living room and held the phone against her chest. I’m falling in love with this man.
“Simona, are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Eve. I was talking to Donovan.” She bent to pick up her niece, who was banging on Simona’s leg. “Hi, sweetie. How was your day?” Simona sat on a chair in the dining room with Yasmine in her lap while Eve packed up her books. “Donovan has Disneyland tickets and wants to invite you, your sisters and their families on Saturday.”