“I’m only going to say this once, and then it’ll never be repeated. Your body is beautiful, Libby. And I know that firsthand. If you ever demean yourself that way to me again, there will be consequences.”
“I don’t know. That sounds kind of fun. What kind of consequences are we talking about?”
“Not the cheeky kind,” I said.
“Okay. I’m sorry. But… you… really think I’m beautiful?”
“I do. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind.”
“Really?” she asked.
“Really. You’ve been stuck there ever since last weekend, and I don’t know why.”
“Thanks?”
“This is just as new for me as it is for you. I’m a busy man with urges and needs. It’s not beneath me to keep a one-night stand or two on my speed dial. It’s the way I’ve run my life for a few years now. But usually, once the night is done my mind is back where it belongs. Focused on my company.”
“Are you telling me it isn’t?” she asked.
“It’s been hard this week. If I’m being completely honest, there have been times I’ve tried looking out for you as I walked down the sidewalk.”
“Then you’ll be happy to know it’s been hard not thinking about you, too.”
“I’m glad I could leave such an imprint,” I said.
“Graham?”
“Yes?”
“If I ask you something, will you promise not to get upset?” she asked.
“I can promise I’ll do my best.”
“During my girl’s night, my friend recognized you. I mean, knew who you were. It never occurred to me that Galex Technologies was you.”
“That would be me, yes.”
“I pass that building every day when I go into the law firm to work,” I said.
“Then I’ve probably seen that piece of shit car you drive pass by a few times without realizing it’s been you.”
“Hey, I’m very proud of that car. It’s not much, but I bought it with my own money.”
“Then it’s a fabulous car that… has seen many memory-making moments.”
“That your kind way of saying it’s still a pie
ce of crap?” she asked.
“Possibly.”
“Does it bother you that I know who you are?”
“It would’ve in the beginning, but you were bound to find out eventually.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I mean, who you were,” she said.
“Because one of the draws to you at the wedding was the fact that you didn’t know who I was. You weren’t clamoring for my wallet or wondering what gifts I was going to present you. Your mind wasn’t altered by the interviews I’ve given and you weren’t looking at me through the lens of my success. I was simply Graham, some guy who wanted to help.”