“Can you just leave it on the desk or email it to me?”
“Sure.” I bite my lower lip. “Is it Jay?”
He doesn’t answer.
“Anything I can do?”
“Just your job, Ava.” He swallows, then smiles wanly. “That’s all.”
“Okay.” Whatever happened over the weekend must’ve been hell for him.
I keep my head down and get caught up on stuff from Friday. I have an email from Darcy with the details of their flight to L.A. She, Ray and Mia are landing on Wednesday because that was the only thing they could grab on short notice.
I can’t wait to see you, Ava.
I smile and respond, Likewise! I have so many things to tell you. Give Ray and Mia my love. I could’ve told her about me and Lucas in the email, but I’d rather do that in person, with Ray present as well.
After I send the week’s agenda to Robbie, I get a text from Lucas.
Started condo searching. Found a few promising candidates. Photos attached. What do you think?
I scroll down and study them. They all look lovely—large and airy and expensive. I click on one of the links leading me to the listing page, and my jaw drops at the rental price. It’s more than what people on my floor make in months!
The frugal part of me wants to tell Lucas we can live where he is, but there’s no way I can be comfortable with Blake around. He can deny his cruel comments all he wants, but I haven’t forgotten. Besides, he’s too cold and nasty.
I reply: They all look great, but should we spend so much on a place? And do we need so much space?
They aren’t that expensive, he responds. I wanted something closer to the medical center but also relatively central and convenient.
I shake my head. I suppose to a guy with over billion dollars in his bank account it’s all par for the course, but I can’t be that casual about it.
A moment later, another text comes. If you don’t like any of them, say so. I don’t mind making the agent work for her commission.
I snort a laugh. I can imagine him ordering the poor realtor around. It’s not her fault that I grew up poor and became a cheapskate. I like them all, just not the price.
I won’t ask you to chip in for rent, although I insist we share a bed. Does that take care of your objection?
This time I let myself giggle. Okay. You made me an offer I can’t refuse.
Perfect. We can see the one you like the most after work if you can get away a little early. And then we’re having dinner with my brother Elliot. He invited us.
Elliot. The twin. My only encounter with him was at the hospital two years ago when he looked at me speculatively—Blake was the one who handled the opportunistic gold-digger stuff—and I hesitate. Do I want to spend that much time with Elliot?
On the other hand, I was upset when Lucas kept me away from his family like a dirty secret. He’s trying to show to the world we’re together, and I can meet him halfway. If Elliot turns out to be a jerk, well, we don’t have to hang out with him again. Sure. 4 good? I type.
I’ll pick you up at work.
I have my car here.
Still picking you up. I’ll take care of your car.
During lunch break—I take mine early, since I’m starving after a sad, one-granola-bar breakfast—I grab a sandwich and a bottle of pink lemonade from the cafeteria and eat at my desk while checking Facebook for a private message from Bennie. We try to keep in touch as much as we can, even though we’re on separate continents. No matter the distance, he is my best friend.
A message is waiting: I have no idea what to wear in England.
I thought the trip wasn’t until later.
Within a minute, he responds. You don’t get it, Ava. It’s his parents. They’re like aristocrats! I have to make a good impression.