by Beth Michele
“Awesome, darlin’. So let’s try to meet up sometime next week. I’ve got two people lined up to bartend for the party, too.”
“Great. Thanks again, Ryder. I’ll talk to you later.” I hang up just as a knock sounds on my door. “Come in,” I call out, and Matilda peeks her head in.
“You got a second?” she asks, and even from this distance, I can see the mischievous sparkle in her deep green eyes.
“Absolutely, Tillie. Come on in.”
She bounces through the door, smacking on her gum. Red curls dance over her shoulders, smile as happy as ever. Taking a seat on the leather chair across from me, she sinks back, tapping a pencil against her bright red lips.
“Okay, what’s going on?” I drop the paperwork on my desk and lean back in my chair. “You look even happier than you normally do, if that’s at all possible.”
“Well….” She waves the pencil in the air like a wand, a smile tickling her lips. “Guess who’s going to be helping you out at the Hamilton launch?”
“Hmph….” I rap my fingers against the side of my chair, my eyes floating upward. “Claire?”
“No! Me!” Tillie squeals, jumping up from her chair. She braces her arms on the desk. “I just finished talking with Jonathan. He’s finally considering promoting me!”
“It’s about damn time!” Matilda’s been with the firm for four years as our receptionist but she’s so incredibly capable and I’ve been pulling for her. “I’m so glad he’s finally seeing the light.”
“Yes, me too. I can’t wait to come out from behind that desk.” She blows a bubble and pops it with her finger.
“Now, you do realize you’ll have to forgo the gum chewing, right?” I tease, and she giggles.
“Yes, I don’t think our clients would appreciate that. I can manage it for one day.” She plops back down in the chair with a contented sigh. “So, you want to maybe catch a movie later tonight? That movie Demolition is playing and I know how much you love death and destruction.”
“I’d love to, but I can’t tonight. I have plans.” I grin, my mind straying to Rex and our private little death and destruction showings. Even though tonight is huge for Olivia and I’m excited for her, a part of me wants to just hang out with Rex alone.
“Yoo hoo.” She waves a hand in front of me. “Earth to Vanessa?” she says, and my eyes snap back to her. “Where did you go? You seemed like you were in another galaxy.”
“Nowhere in particular,” I respond, fighting back a smile.
“Yeah, well, wherever it was, promise you’ll take me next time,” she jokes, and I laugh. I can feel the red creeping over my cheeks, settling in nicely with the ridiculous grin I’m sure I now have covering my face. She smacks her gum, pursing her lips at me. “Care to tell me about it?”
“Not really,” I lie. “Well… there is this guy.” I try for nonchalant even though there’s no way she’s buying it.
“Some guy, huh?” She twirls a ringlet of hair around her finger. “And does this guy have a name?”
“He might,” is all I offer, swiveling in my chair, but other than that I remain tight-lipped.
“And his name is?” she presses, edging closer to the desk as if waiting for a big secret.
I roll my chair forward, meeting her halfway, and whisper, “Rex.”
“Rex,” she repeats, testing it out on her tongue. “I like it.”
“I’m glad you approve, Tillie.”
She pulls a pack of gum from the pocket of her slacks. “Gum?”
“No, thanks.” I smile, watching her stuff more in her mouth. “Maybe you should practice going cold turkey on the gum to prepare for the Hamilton party.”
She hesitates and you’d think I just asked her to jump off a cliff. Although in her mind, it’s probably the equivalent. “Nah,” she says, and we both break out into laughter.
When our laughter subsides, I notice her eyeing one of the pictures on my desk. She lifts it up, examining it.
“I love this picture of you and Olivia,” she comments, admiring the photo of us in Central Park two years ago on Liv’s birthday. It was a beautiful summer afternoon and we rode the boats that day, enjoying a picnic afterward. I’ll never forget it. I bought Olivia a dozen colored balloons and we let them go one at a time, watching as they floated away in the sky.
“I love photographs,” she continues, “I always take a ton of them because I like to remember everything. I have so many now, I should probably start scrapbooking or something.”
That’s when an idea pops into my head and I spring up from the chair. “Listen, Tillie. I’m going to take an early lunch. There’s something I need to do.” I grab my purse from the bottom drawer of my desk and stride toward the door. “I’ll see you later.”
“Oh. Okay,” she replies, a bit confused about my behavior.
She’s not alone.
Excited, I hop on the elevator, my hands fidgeting at my sides. I’m willing the floor numbers to pass by more quickly, but if anything they seem to slow the longer I stare at them.
When I finally make it to the lobby, I charge out of the building like a woman on a mission, hunting for my cell phone the moment I push through the glass doors. I send Hunter a quick text to see if he has a couple of minutes to spare for me. His response: I always have time for you, Vanessa, come on by. His words draw a smile from my lips. Olivia has found herself a great guy and I’m thrilled for her.
The wait for a cab is longer than I’d like, but I finally manage to hail one and scoot inside. My palms are sweaty, head already overthinking what I’m about to do. But somehow, even though my brain is hesitant and my thumbnail worse for the wear, my feet still propel me through the bronze doors of the building.
Everything about this structure screams wealth and elegance, from the marble floors and gold accents, to the famous paintings on the wall. I start for the elevator when a tall, burly, and very balding security guard motions me toward the desk. After a quick phone call upstairs alerting Hunter of my presence and getting clearance, I’m sent on my way.
Once inside the elevator, I tap my foot anxiously as the car ascends to the fifty-seventh floor. This is actually the first time I’ve been to Hunter’s office. I know Olivia makes frequent trips here and the thought makes me giggle. Torrid and sordid are not words I would have used to describe her before, but ever since she met Hunter, I can’t think of two words that suit her more perfectly.
The car dings and I step off, immediately taken aback by the enormity of the space and the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city from every angle. White leather furniture occupies the wide open area accented by glass tables and exotic plants. It’s sparse, yet it doesn’t look barren.
This is a side of Hunter I rarely see, but a glaring reminder of the wealth and power he possesses, yet never flaunts.
A tall woman with a black pants suit and straw-colored hair drawn up in a slick ponytail comes over to greet me. “Good afternoon, Miss Hilliard?”
“Yes.” I’m suddenly feeling completely out of my element, like a little fish in a large ocean.
“Mr. Grayson is just finishing up a conference call and he’ll be with you shortly.” She pats the top of her head as if to make sure there’s not a hair out of place. “Can I get you some coffee or a danish?”
“No, thank you,” I reply, taking a seat on one of the leather couches. I pick up a magazine without glancing at the title, but quickly discover it’s all about software and place it neatly back down on the table with the others.
Minutes pass, and I spend them crossing and uncrossing my legs, checking my phone for new texts, and digging for a piece of gum in my purse. I suddenly realize I should’ve taken Tillie up on her offer.
Uncertainty forces my teeth to dig into my lip, feet to shuffle restlessly along the floor. I’m rethinking my decision about being here and am just about to leave, when the double doors to Hunter’s office open. He struts out in his dark grey suit accompanied by a crisp, w
hite shirt, looking every bit the high-powered executive.
His arms reach out, embracing me in a warm hug. “Good to see you, Vanessa. Come in, come in.”
Upon entering his office, the first thing I notice is that the size of it rivals my entire apartment. The space is massive, but again, with not a lot of clutter, making it appear that much larger. An oversized mahogany desk sits alone on one side of the room, while two chocolate brown couches and a table occupy the other. A full bar lines the far wall, next to it a door to what looks like a private bathroom. The backdrop to this glorious arena is the Manhattan skyline.
“I honestly don’t know how you get any work done in here, Hunter, the view is spectacular. I’d just stare out the window all day.”
His deep chuckle echoes throughout the space as I walk over to the window overlooking his unique view of the world. “I know you didn’t come here just to admire the view,” he remarks, and when I turn around he’s strolling over to his desk. “Come, sit.”
I exhale a breath, letting my nervous energy float out into the expansive room. “As much as I love the view, you’re right, I didn’t.” Dropping my purse to the floor, I collapse onto the chair across from him. “I wanted to ask you something.”
“Sure, anything.” He rolls his chair forward, steepling his fingers on the polished wood.
“Well, first, Rex told me about your little brother and I’m very sorry.”
He blinks a couple of times, almost as though he didn’t hear me correctly. “He told you?”
“Yes. But only very briefly. He was hurting and I think he just needed to get it out.” My lips feel dry and I lick them a couple of times, then continue, “I was wondering…,” I twiddle my hands in my lap, “if you had any pictures of Rex and Tyler that I might be able to borrow to make a copy? Rex mentioned not having many and I thought maybe I’d… you know,” I shrug, “get one framed for him as a surprise.”
Hunter relaxes back in his chair, the edges of his lips teetering into a smile. “Is this for his birthday?”
“His birthday?”
“Yes, it’s tomorrow. Although….” He hesitates as if maybe he said too much. “He doesn’t typically like to celebrate it, to be honest, so I’m not all that surprised if he didn’t mention it.”
Curiosity flares in my brain but not enough to ask any more questions. I almost feel like I’m prying and it’s none of my business. Although, I care for Rex. Maybe a little more than I should.
“You care for my brother,” he states, reading my thoughts, and that’s definitely not a question.
“Yes,” I admit sheepishly. Even the mention of him starts the fluttering in my stomach. I wish it was from hunger because somewhere deep down all I hear are Olivia’s words of warning. But the heart is an involuntary organ and doesn’t heed warnings. “He’s interesting.”
Hunter tips his head back, letting out a meaty laugh. “Yes, that would be an understatement, Vanessa,” he says, and I can’t control the grin that breaks free. But the airy smile on his face soon disintegrates as he reaches a hand out to slide open the top drawer of his desk. He sets a small wooden box down and opens the latch, releasing a sigh before he touches what I’m assuming are pictures inside. He lifts up the pile and flips through them, nostalgia and sadness streaking his eyes. Clearing his throat, he passes them over to me. “Take a look.”
I carefully open my palm as the memories slip into my hand, grasping them as the treasures that they are. Pictures of a young Rex: free, innocent, unburdened. One after the other, I look through them, finally landing on a close-up shot of he and Tyler wearing backward baseball caps, shades of happy covering their eyes, their mouths, their cheeks. I raise it up, showing it to Hunter. “This one. Can I take this one?”
“Absolutely.” He smiles when he sees my choice. “That’s a great shot.”
“Thanks, Hunter.”
“Sure.” He gives me a manila envelope. “You can put it in this.”
“Great.” I carefully place the envelope in my purse, ensuring it doesn’t get crushed amidst all my crap.
“So, I’m assuming you never got the voicemail I left on your cell?” he asks, and I stare at him with a blank expression.
“No, what voicemail?” I sling my purse over the arm of the chair. “I had a bunch, but there wasn’t one from you.”
“I must’ve dialed the wrong number, then. It was about tonight.” His fingers toy with the collar of his shirt. He’s sweating already and it makes me giggle. “What’s so funny?”
“Nervous about pop—” I press my lips together making a loud sound “—ping the question?”
“Rex told you that, too?” He seems stunned, as though his brother broke some kind of code by telling me.
“Yes. It was an accident, though. It slipped out. But, I couldn’t be happier for you, Hunter. Olivia is madly in love with you.” Tiny beads of sweat break out across his forehead. “You don’t need to worry,” I whisper, “she’s going to say yes.”
“You think so?” He wipes the moisture from his temple, worry abundant in his voice.
“Oh, I know so.”
His cheeks puff up before exhaling a large dose of air in my direction. He puts the box of pictures in the drawer, then stands up and walks over to where his jacket is hanging up. Digging into one of the pockets, he lets out another hearty breath as he pulls out a blue velvet box. He ambles back over and leans against the desk, legs crossed at the ankles, presenting it in his palm. “The ring.”
“Boy, you really are nervous. I kind of gathered that’s what was in the box,” I say, and he chuckles. “Let me see that sucker.” I hold out my hand as the soft velvet tickles my skin. With a gentle flick of my finger, it pops open, my eyes following suit. Inside sits the biggest and most beautiful engagement ring I’ve ever seen. “Holy shit, Hunter! It’s gorgeous!”
He laughs and his next words are so surprising to me, and very sweet. “Do you think she’ll like it?”
“Hunter,” there’s a calm reassurance in my voice, “it could be a ring from a thrift store and she’d love it. Because it’s from you. And honestly, I’m ecstatic. She deserves this so much, and so do you.” My cell phone chimes, reminding me that I have a two-thirty meeting to attend. “Oh shoot. I have to go. I’ve got to get back to the office for a meeting. Is there anything you need me to do to help with tonight?”
“Just make sure she shows up,” he kids, but I don’t think he’s actually joking. He plucks the ring box from my hand. “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
I’m not sure what possesses me, but when we get to the bank of elevators, I throw my arms around him and he stumbles back, surprised. “Thank you for the picture,” I say with appreciation, “and good luck tonight.”
As the doors close, I expel a gratifying sigh. I reach into my bag and find the envelope, pinching it between my thumb and forefinger, then tuck it away safely. I can’t wait to see the look on Rex’s face when I give it to him. There are a lot of things he seems to want to forget. I’m glad I’ll be giving him something wonderful to remember.
“Evening, Henry,” I greet the doorman to Olivia’s building. He welcomes me, tipping his hat in my direction.
“Good evening, Miss Vanessa. And might I say you’re looking particularly lovely tonight,” he compliments, holding the door open for me.
“Yes, you might.” I wink, flipping my hair over my shoulder before stepping onto the elevator.
This may be Olivia’s night, but it’s impossible to deny the obsessive clockwatching I’ve been doing all day, or the way my mind wouldn’t allow me to focus on anything else. Tillie practically left bruises on my leg during the meeting from the amount of times she had to kick me under the conference table to bring me back on topic. Even now, I can’t seem to remember.
My phone chimes and it’s a message from Rex, almost as if he knew I was thinking about him. I slide the screen to unlock it and smile.
Hey.
Hey back.
Ready for
tonight?
Yup.
There’s a long pause and I wonder if he’ll respond.
I really want to see you.
My pulse leaps underneath my skin as my shaky fingers type out a reply.
Me too.
And just like that, you couldn’t drag me off of the cloud I’m floating on. That’s the most peculiar thing about all this—I’m not that girl. The one who gets giddy over a guy or walks around in a dreamy state. I’m the one with the barricade, the wall around her heart that refuses to let anyone in. But Rex has found a way in, a loophole in my façade, probably without even realizing it.
I’m just about to knock on Olivia’s door when it opens and we both stare, wide-eyed. She’s wearing a teal, knee-length satin dress that makes her eyes appear an even deeper blue. Her hair settles in rich, dark waves over her shoulders, a subtle sweep of makeup showcasing her natural beauty.
“Liv… I don’t even know what to say. You look beautiful.”
“Funny,” she reclines an arm against the doorframe, “I was just going to say the same thing about you. Is that a new dress?”
“Maybe.” I strut through the door, tossing my purse on a nearby sofa. “So what are we doing?” I’m trying to play along with the charade, attempting to keep her guessing.
She applies some lip gloss in front of the hall mirror, puckering her pout. “I have no idea. Hunter was very mysterious. He just said his car would be picking us up at seven. But that’s all I know. So…,” she slinks over to the sofa, dropping down beside me, “what’s going on with you and Rex? Everything okay?”
I grin and point a finger at my face. “Does it look like things are okay?”
Her eyes thin and she glares at me. “Don’t play games, V. You know I’m concerned about you.”
“Liv, chill out. Everything is fine. More than fine, actually. So don’t get your panties ruffled. Well,” I grin, “that’s if you even have any on. Should I assume you made yet another trip to Victoria’s Secret today?” I continue to stare at her as I plow through my purse, feeling around for some lipstick.
