“Okay, bye.”
The decorator waved bye from the elevator door. I walked over to the table where she left all of her notes. I had to admit I was looking forward to the decorating project.
I wonder if she will let me help.
ChapterFifty
COTA
Sabrina was full of conversation when we got back to Kellan’s place. Kellan got there shortly after, so our discussion on the new décor ended. She visited for a few minutes then excused herself. It was unfortunate that Kellan had arrived because it was the first time that she had really been what I thought was just herself. I’d reminded her that I’d be gone all day, so not to worry about waiting around for me, just to have fun with Murphy.
“Good morning,” she said, coming out of her room in her yoga outfit. “Have a good day.”
“I’m glad I saw you. Here is a credit card for anything you want to buy today.” I handed her my card. “Have a fun day.”
“Cota, I do not feel happy about using more of your money.” She refused the card. “I do not need more clothes.”
“Oh, really? What are you wearing for the baby shower?” I asked, then went on. “You can’t wear your yoga outfit or the bikinis from being at the island.”
“No, I suppose I can’t. What about the sundress from yesterday?” She crinkled her nose.
“It was cute, but you can’t wear it to everything. You need New York clothes. You need some dresses for going out when I need to be at a function.”
“If you insist. I will pay you back when I work again.”
“You can’t be serious with that. You will do no such thing.” I handed her the card again. “Do I have to take you shopping, like in Pretty Woman?”
“Is this another movie I do not know?” She frowned. “Thankfully, you said “pretty” woman.”
“Yes, it is, and I need to add it to the movies to watch list right now.” He typed it into his phone. “We really need to start watching these movies.”
“Tonight, if you are not too tired. Oh, I am watching a James Bond movie this morning with the guys,” she nodded. “I need to make a nickname for Charlie. He doesn’t have a James Bond name.”
“Bronson. He can be Charles Bronson.” I walked to the elevator. “I know you don’t know who that is, but he is awesome like Charlie. Tell him that and see what he says.”
“I will.” She went off to the balcony.
Kellan had left before me, but I had wanted a few minutes with Sabrina. I hurried out to the waiting car to catch up with Kellan at the breakfast meeting. Things went well. Mine and Sawyer’s designs were liked by everyone. Later, we met at Kellan’s office with Sawyer via computer. If all went as planned with first the purchase, then the zoning and permitting, we’d be able to break ground in three months. We all agreed starting after the holidays would be a good time. I found myself wondering what Sabrina was up to. It was strange. We’d been together for a month every day and now in New York. I surprisingly missed her.
This isn’t good. I’m not supposed to like her, like her. Do I like her? Of course, I like her, but do Ilikelike her? This is ridiculous, I’m fresh out of college, I don’t have time to like someone.
“Cota? Are you still with us?” Sawyer called out from the screen. “Oh, no, I’ve seen that look before, about a hundred times.”
“You have not. I was thinking, that’s all.”
“Do you want to share with the class?” Sawyer joked. “Anyways, I have to go. I’ve been roped into helping with some wedding plans. Normally, I’d run away to a private island to escape this but, well…you know the rest.”
I decided to check in on Sabrina, make sure she was buying clothes. She’d looked rather reluctant this morning.
“Hey, how’s the shopping going?”
“You’re supposed to be working.”
“I am, but we took a small break. Did you find stuff?”
“Murphy is very good at this. She says I have to buy clothes to look the part of a Hawthorne wife.”
“Not a bad idea. Not that I care, but we do have standards in the public eye. Some family members care more than others.”