The pounding on my door shocks me awake. “Doll?” I call out, thinking she’s back. I open up the front door to see Beth.
“What the fuck happened to you?” she asks, looking disgusted.
“What are you doing here?” I grumble.
“Your workaholic assistant was worried. He called you about twenty times. It’s already eleven. You’re supposed to be in the office. Seeing that you’re shouting for your mystery woman, I’m guessing she’s not here, so what are you still doing in bed. Don’t tell me you pulled a Ross on this girl because I won’t forgive you.” She’s typing on her phone, walking through the condo like she still lives here.
“A Ross?”
“You know. Friends. We were on a break. Seriously bro.” I shake my head confused. “Is there another woman you’re banging for a rebound fuck?” she explains. My head’s throbbing too damn hard for this.
“Fuck no, but I’m sure as fuck hung over. I need to get ready. Let me call Steven before he freaks out.”
“Already sent him a text.” She turns her phone to my face.
“It’s his fault I got drunk last night.”
“That’s why he’s worried. You don’t drink.”
“Well, she’s got me messed up.”
“That’s because you’re in love with a girl you just met and rushed things.”
“It doesn’t matter how much I love her. She left me.” My sister slaps my bare chest hard enough to make it sting. “What the hell?”
“As I recall, you were at my house when you should have been with her. This girl is probably feeling just as overwhelmed as you are. Give it a couple of days. Get your act together and then win her over.”
“Sounds like a plan. I need to get ready for work, so if you’ll excuse me.”
“I’ll make you some coffee. Holy shit. There’s food in your fridge.”
“Yeah, she went shopping and made me food.”
“Damn you’re in the doghouse for sure. Maybe you shouldn’t have spent the night out drinking like a douchebag.”
“Thanks for the pep talk. What would I do without a sister like you?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea. Get your ass ready before your ass-kissing assistant has a hissy fit.” I laugh and head back into my bedroom to get ready. “Here. The doorman had them. Your driver dropped them off.” She passes me my keys.
“Thanks. I’m such a fucking mess.”
“That you are. I have to say it’s pretty refreshing. The king of being put together and in control has had his world rocked by a pretty little brunette that’s probably my age.”
“Damn, how did you know that?” I question. I haven’t introduced her yet.
“Rachel, at the front desk, showed me the camera footage of the heartbreaker. I’m going to have cute nieces and nephews at least.”
“I’m going to try as soon as I get her to fall in love with me.”Chapter 8GwendolynIt’s been six days since I’ve seen Grant and I miss him so painfully. For the past three days I’ve woken up to a large coffee delivered with a breakfast platter and a bouquet of roses.
A note comes in each bouquet: Miss you, Doll.
We need to talk.
I hope you have a great day.
I love them and it makes my heart glow, but he’s never the one delivering them.
“Girl, I think it’s more than a contract,” Kalera says as she reads the card while I open up the tray of food. It’s delicious, but my appetite has suddenly vanished.
“If it was, he’d be here, and I haven’t heard from him.” I made the right move no matter how my stupid heart aches in my chest.
I’m sure he’ll go back to the clinic and find a new candidate for insemination soon. I’ve gone job hunting and can’t find a thing and I’m not qualified for anything more than a minimum wage job.
I’m sitting on the sofa, drinking my coffee when a new message on my phone catches me by surprise. I swipe it, hoping it’s Grant, but it’s not.
I recognize the number though. Hey, Gwen. This is Henrick, and I’m in town. Your mom gave me your new number. Would you like to meet for coffee? I need to talk to you.
Me: Sure. Where at?
Rick: I’m staying near Times Square.
Me: There’s a Starbucks. I’ll meet you there in thirty minutes?
Rick: Sounds great.
I need a break from my thoughts about Grant. It does no good to think about him because I’m going to fucking cry again. It’s stupid but his words made my heart flutter then as soon as my period showed up he put me back in my place.
When I get to the shop, I feel like I’m being watched, but this is Times Square it’s busy which means eyes eventually land on me even in passing. When I enter the coffee shop, Henrick holds his arms out for me and I hug him.
“How are you, Lynn?” he asks, smiling with a cup of coffee already in his hands. He’s handsome and sweet, but I’ve never had feelings for him.