“The only thing that even hinted at what the place would become was when she told me she might bring a guy home from the bar from time to time, but that she was careful about who she brought home. I think she saw the distaste on my face. She assured me it was only every once in a while. She was a lying bitch. Every day, every single day, she brought home someone: man, woman, sometimes both. I’ve only stayed so long because the rent was low enough to actually afford to eat and pay bills without living on ramen only.”
Ricky is waiting outside the car as we walk out of the building. He takes a suitcase and we fill the trunk, the two duffel bags don’t fit, he puts them in the front seat. When Holly goes to open her door, Ricky is quick to get it for her. Checking my watch, I’m surprised to see it’s a little after midnight, it’s probably why the drive to my home is quick. Parking illegally in front of the building, Ricky grabs the two duffel bags then hurries to open the door for Holly. The trunk has already been popped by a button Ricky pressed. Ricky passes the duffel bags to Holly. “These are lighter
, take them. I’ll take the suitcases.”
She does as she’s told and the door is held open for her by Sean, the night doorman. “I’ll do what I can to keep you from getting a ticket, Mr. Bishop.”
“I appreciate it.” I slip Sean a one hundred dollar bill. Now I won’t be getting a ticket.
Amelia opens the door as soon as Holly knocks. “Oh, thank goodness. I knew Ethan would get you out of there. You aren’t mad at me are you, Holly? I just couldn’t stand you putting up with that awful scene I was imagining. I mean, gross.”
“I’m not mad. I appreciate it. I really do, Ethan.”
“Like I said, it’s no big deal. There’s an empty room, it’s yours until you don’t want it anymore.” Taking the suitcases down the hall, I leave them in the room. Ricky follows me and leaves them near the others. Holly follows and sets the duffel bags on the bed.
“I changed the sheets for you. These are nice and soft and smell yummy. This room also has its own heat control, right here. I love that about this room. To me, Ethan keeps this place too cool, but then again, he’s never here.”
Leaving Amelia to show Holly the small room and help her get settled, I walk Ricky out of the condo. I pull off three one hundred dollar bills. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t realize it was so late.”
“Hey, no problem, boss. I’m always happy to help.” As we wait for the elevator, Ricky rocks back on his heels. “She’s nice and sweet. It’s good she’s in a better, safe, place. Umm... she’s just your new housekeeper, right?”
Clenching my teeth, I fight the urge to punch him in the face. Ricky, my driver for seven years. A man I respected and liked. “Stay the fuck away from her.” Is all I grit out as I walk away.
Amelia is waiting for me at the closed door of my condo. “I knew she was perfect for you.”
“Leave it alone, Amelia. It is not going to happen.”
Serious now, in a way I haven’t seen her in years. “Brittany was a long time ago. The fact that she didn’t come from the right side of the tracks didn’t make her less of a person. What dad said was bullshit and you’ve always known that. I also remember the fact she wasn’t a size two didn’t bother you.”
Shaking my head, I can’t look at her. “Go home, Amelia. Get some sleep.”
Entering the condo, I close the door before I lean against it for a moment. Why did she have to bring up Brittany? I never think of Britany, never. A thump comes from down the hall reminding me of Holly. I’m glad my thoughts are pulled away from Brittany.
Going down the hall, I find the door to the room open. Holly is putting away her blouses in the walk in closet, not as large as mine, yet still deep enough to hold twice what she is hanging up. This room had been done in a deep purple with silver accents, Amelia had picked the color done in a stripe of plum frost and silver leaf. I was personally glad I hadn’t let her pick the colors in my room but seeing Holly in here, she fits. She’s putting her stuff away in the standing drawer between the closet and private bathroom. The bathroom is a simple five piece, yet well-appointed in all marble with silver fixtures. She turns to see me watching her, her eyes questioning.
The words leave me without thought. “I want to apologize for what I said this morning, it was over the line.”
She shrugs and looks down into her bag. “Why? It was true. You said before you wanted me to speak my mind. I had no doubt you would, too. No need to apologize.”
“According to Amelia, I do. So I am.” I downplay my regret. I’m not willing to admit it had everything to do with how I felt and nothing to do with Amelia.
Her jaw hardens and her sherry eyes go chocolate brown as they meet mine. “Since it’s according to Amelia, then fuck your apology.”
“Were you born an obstinate bitch or made one as the baby girl of the family?” I’m shocked. I can’t believe she’s refusing my apology. Does she not get I never apologize?
“Probably born. I was never treated like a baby girl in my family. I’ll take it as a compliment, coming from an obnoxious asshole like you.”
“I apologize and I’m an obnoxious asshole?” This fucking woman.
“Since you only came in to apologize because Amelia made you feel bad. Then, yes, you are an asshole.” She has no idea her crossed arms are drawing my eyes to her breasts, high and full and shit she’s wearing a new bra. My cock is eager to find out what it looks like on her. Damnit.
Get the fuck out of here, my mind is screaming. I can’t move. “Are you not aware I don’t apologize? I give in, apologize, and I’m the asshole.”
“The fact you just admitted you don’t apologize reinforces it. You do a lot of rude things and treat people badly. If you don’t apologize often then I’m glad I only have to deal with you a few hours a day.”
“You don’t think living here will mean more than a few hours?” I taunt her as my head swims with the possibilities of her so close.
“I know I’m only here because of Amelia. I won’t be here long. I’m used to basically living in one room after years of roommates. Even if you are home, it won’t be more. The only other thing I would be concerned with, after my last living situation, is dealing with other women here. However, Cora told me you don’t bring women here, ever.”