Chapter 32: Callan Quinn
Cal leaned against the door frame with disguised sadness in his eyes as he watched Jamal zip up his suitcase in readiness to leave for the airport now that the conference was over.
"Are you sure you don’t want to stay for two more days? We could hang out, and I’ll introduce you to some hot chicks," Cal said, trying to keep the desperation out of his voice.
Jamal chuckled, "By now you should know I’m not the type you can entice with ladies. The only hot chick I want is a fried or barbecued chicken glazed with barbecue sauce," he said, and Cal laughed.
"Yeah. My bad. What can I say to convince you then?" He asked, but Jamal did not respond as he grabbed his phone, glancing at the time.
They had just enough time to get to the airport, but as he turned to pick up his jacket, his phone vibrated with a new notification.
Personal Paradise – New Episode Alert!
His lips curled into a small smile. He hadn’t expected another episode so soon, especially since she had said she was taking a break. Excited to hear her voice, he took out his AirPod and plugged it in his ears.
As soon as the familiar, soothing voice filled his ears, his tensed shoulders relaxed. He didn’t even realize he was smiling until he looked up to see Cal staring at him, one brow raised.
"What?" Jamal asked, pausing the podcast.
"Okay, what’s up with you?" Cal tilted his head. "You’re grinning at your phone like a teenager in love."
Jamal smirked and raised a finger, silently telling him to wait. He quickly resumed the podcast, drowning out whatever else Cal had to say.