“How long will that take?”
She goes over to a book and flips through the pages. “It looks like we are about three weeks out.”
I shake my head. “That won’t do,” I tell her. “Can I pay extra to pick it up tomorrow?”
“I’m sorry, but he’s on vacation until next week. The holidays and all…” She nods toward the back, where I’m assuming the jeweler works.
“Okay, I’ll take it anyway, but I need to add a band for her, and I’ll need one as well.”
The saleswoman shows me a compilation of bands that would work with the ring for Saylor, as well as points out what is popular for men right now. I finally decide on the last two pieces, and she sets Saylor’s rings in one box and mine in another as I pay for them. I thank her for my purchase and exit the store.
“You found one?” Saylor asks as I get back into my SUV. I set the bag down in the middle, letting her eye it for a bit. I know it’s mean, but I can’t help but laugh.
“I did. I fucking love it. It’s going to look hot on your finger.”
She tries to hide her eye roll from me, but I catch it. Pulling her face toward me, I search her eyes for any discontent. “Don’t do that, Saylor. This will be a good thing. I promise.”
“I know, but I can’t help but think that you might find someone else.”
“Sort of hard to do when I’m not looking. I’ll be good to you—I promise.” I kiss her once for good measure before starting up the vehicle and entering the city traffic. I want to take her back to her place and give her the ring, but the thought of having her ex show up isn’t something that is sitting well with me. Instead, we head to my place. Since our news is already out there, it doesn’t make sense to hide her from the media that has been camping out at my house this entire time.
When I pull up, the cameras are poised and ready. Saylor looks fearful even though she’s been here before. I suppose this time is different, though, now that she’s not working and this is very much a social call.
“Travis, are the rumors true?” the reporters start asking as soon as I get out. Thankfully they aren’t blocking my way to the other side of the car, and I’m able to be a gentleman and help Saylor out.
“Ms. Blackwell, how does this change your working relationship with Travis?”
“Mr. Kidd, is this a publicity move to make you look better in the eyes of the court and the public opinion polls?”
The last question irritates me, but I don’t let that show on my face as I lead Saylor into my house. Closing the door blocks out the noise from outside, giving us some peace and quiet. “They’ll be gone soon.”
“Yeah,” she says, standing in the middle of my foyer with her hands pushed deep into her coat pockets.
“Let me take your coat.”
“I can’t stay long. My mom has dinner plans tonight, so I have to pick up Lucy.”
“We,” I say, correcting her.
“Excuse me?”
“We have to pick up Lucy. I told you, Saylor, I’m in this with both feet. This isn’t going to be some mistake I make or something I regret when I wake up tomorrow. If Lucy needs to be picked up, we do it together.”
She shakes her head. “Elijah—he could show up at any time.”
“So stay here.” I spread my arms out wide. My house is open concept with three bedrooms and more than enough room for both of them.
“I don’t know how to explain this to Lucy,” she says as she starts to walk around. I place my hands on her shoulders and guide her down the hall and into the guest bedroom.
“This can be Lucy’s room, or she can go upstairs. There’s another room up there with a private bath.”
“Where will I sleep?”
“With me,” I say, turning her in my arms. “Before your ex showed up, we were on our way to building a relationship. We may be doing things backwards, but I think that is who we are.”
She nods and turns around to look at the room. “I really love my apartment, though.”
“Yeah, me too.” I sigh as I pull her to my chest. “Remember this will only be temporary unless we decide to stay in Boston.”