Heart-Shaped Hack

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Kate was two hours from home when she spotted the first message. It was on one of those electronic Department of Transportation signs mounted over the highway.

I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU KATIE

All she could do was shake her head and laugh. Fifteen minutes later, she drove under the next one.

YOU’RE GETTING CLOSER

Kate couldn’t wait to see Ian. She still had moments when she wanted to kill him herself for what he’d done, but then she’d think about the miraculous turn of events that had brought him back to her, and her anger would dissipate. She couldn’t wait to fall asleep in his arms tonight, and every night after that.

It was another forty miles before she spotted the next sign.

HI KATE IT’S YOUR MOM

Kate reached for her cell phone. When Ian answered, she said, “Exactly how long did it take you to bring my mother over to the dark side?”

“Not long at all. I have to tell you, she is fascinated by hacking. I convinced her to open a bottle of wine, and after her second glass she insisted we hack into something.”

“Does she know hacking road signs is a felony?”

“I’m going to go with no. But don’t worry, they’ll never catch us.”

“How’s my dad?”

“Still a little frosty. I tried to give him his own special phone. That did not go well at all.”

“Give it to my mom. It sounds like she won’t have a problem with it. And please tell me you haven’t checked out of your hotel yet. I’m really looking forward to our reunion, but I’d like it to take place somewhere other than my parents’ home. I don’t think my dad could handle overhearing us, and I’m telling you right now I plan on being loud.”

“The hotel room is waiting for us, and I will definitely be giving you something to yell about. I thought we could take your parents out for breakfast tomorrow and then hit the road.”

“I think that sounds like an ideal plan.” Kate noticed a sign in the distance but couldn’t yet make out the words. “Still hacking, I see.”

“This next message is my favorite,” he said.

As she got closer, a smile spread across her face.

I’VE GOT A NUMBER SIX WAITING HERE FOR YOU SWEETNESS

“Do you see it?” he asked.

She laughed. “I see it. The six is my favorite.”

“Mine’s the seven.”

“That does not surprise me at all.”

“I can’t wait to see you, Kate.”

“It won’t be long now. Tell my mom not to drink all the wine.”





CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

The two-bedroom cottage on Roanoke Island was aptly named the Endless Summer. The exterior was sunshine yellow with white trim and a picket fence, and four Adirondack chairs sat grouped together on the small brick patio.

“What do you think?” Ian asked after he unlocked the door and they went inside.

Kate looked around. The interior was a perfect blend of kitschy beach house and modern amenities. “What an adorable love nest.”

“It’s cozy, that’s for sure,” he said, laughing. “At least it’s bigger than Phillip and Susan’s guesthouse.”

“It’s perfect for the two of us.” She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

“What do you say we christen this place? It won’t really feel like ours until we do.”

Kate had not had her fill of him yet, so she said, “That sounds like much more fun than unpacking.”

Once they’d finally emerged from the bedroom and brought everything in from the car, they explored the quaint streets of downtown Manteo, walking hand in hand as they checked out a gift shop, bookstore, and art gallery.

“Hot enough for you, hacker?” Kate asked. The temperature was hovering somewhere in the mid to upper seventies, which was typical for early May. Not as hot as it was going to be, but warmer than Minneapolis.

“Not quite. Maybe by July.”

“It’ll be in the high eighties by then.”

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