When I walk inside the lobby of the hotel, I immediately pull out my phone to let Phillip and Marcus know that I’m on my way up. They respond immediately by reminding me how eager they are. This should be a phenomenal meeting.
While I’m at it, I also check to see if Delilah has responded to my last message. “Still nothing,” I mumble under my breath. Both Xander and I have been taking turns trying to catch her attention over the last couple of days, but to no avail. I’m sure Ashley must be keeping her quite busy, but it’s so unlike Delilah to be this distant. She’s responded, but her answers are very short and she always manages to respond when Xander and I are in meetings. Since she left our place on Sunday night, we’ve barely heard back from her. She’s even nixed our usual Skype video chat, which we do when she can’t come over after work. Her excuse? She has to be at the gallery very early so she needs to get to bed by a certain time in order to make it throughout her day. That was never a deterrent before. “That’s weird. Something is definitely up.” I shake my head and put my phone back into the inside pocket of my jacket. I’m going to swing by the gallery before going back to my office. She can’t ignore me if I’m standing right in front of her, I say to myself as I head towards the elevators.
I turn the corner and slam right into someone. “Oh, my God,” the woman says. The next thing I hear is a bunch of things dropping to the floor. “I am so very sorry.” I might not have recognized the voice initially, but now I do.
I squint at the woman brushing her hair away from her face with her eyes closed. “Ashley?”
Her eyes fly open. “Ethan? I wasn’t attempting to kill you, I swear.” She offers me a small laugh. She lowers her gaze to her feet. “I can’t believe I’m this clumsy.” She slaps her hands against her thighs as a sign of impatience before squatting down.
“Are you okay?” I enquire, mimicking her. I reach for the floor, collecting the belongings that are scattered all over the place. “I didn’t see you coming and I bumped into you pretty hard.”
“I’ll be fine. Nothing is broken. That’s all that matters, right? And it’s not your fault. I can’t seem to focus on anything today. I’m such a disaster.” We stand up at the same time.
“You’re having a hard one?”
“That’s an understatement,” she exhales, shoving things back into her handbag.
“I hope it has nothing to do with your kids or your husband?”
“No. Thank God. All the fingers and toes are accounted for and my husband is as lovely as always.”
“If it’s any consolation, it’s almost over and you’ll be able to go back home to them soon.”
“Not for me it isn’t. My shitty day will only get worse. I’m about to walk into a meeting I’m dreading.”
“Something concerning the gallery?”
She just stares at me with a blank look on her face. “I’m freaking out. I feel like I’m such an insensitive monster.” How is that even possible?
“What are you talking about, Ashley?”
She shakes her head and lifts her hand up like a police officer. “It’s okay. I should just go.” She readies herself to turn around, but I extend my hand and clamp it on her forearm.
“Wait. We’ve known each other for a long time. It’s clear you’re wrestling with something,” I say. She chews at her lower lip. “I’m a great listener.” I smile.
She hesitates for a brief moment. “Do you have a few minutes?” She looks so despondent.
“I have a meeting upstairs at the Chesham with a few potential clients. Let me send them a quick—”
“Oh, God, I don’t want you to be late for your meeting on my account.” She’s so on edge. “I’ll deal with this. Never mind, Ethan.” She dismissively cuts her other hand through the air. I don’t buy it. I’m not letting her out of my sight until I know what’s troubling her so much.
“Ashley, it’s okay. They can wait five or ten minutes.” Those two buyers upstairs waiting for me are so rich they don’t have to work like the rest of us. Not to mention that they’re so eager, I’m sure they’d be willing to wait for me all night long if I asked them to—not that I’d ever be that unprofessional. “Obviously you need to talk about whatever is going on.” She nods. “Good. We have an understanding. Give me a second.” I send a message to Marcus and Phillip to let them know that I’ll be slightly delayed because I bumped into a distraught friend. “All right, I’m all ears.”
“I’ve never had to do this before.”
“Do what?”
“Terminate someone’s employment. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to live with myself.”
Wow. That’s serious. No wonder Ashley looks so perturbed. “Did someone screw up?”
“No. That’s the worst part. I have to get rid of a really phenomenal employee.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. Why would you do that?” I ask.
“I don’t want to, but Mr. Walcott is forcing my hand.”
“Has he gone mad?” That’s the only logical explanation.
“At least that would justify things in a way that doesn’t kill me like this. No. It’s far more basic than that.”
“You’ve definitely lost me now, Ashley.”
“Samantha is being her usual ditzy self, but Delilah will be the one paying the price.” Delilah? As in our Delilah? Our girlfriend? “Princess Walcott seems to have developed an overnight disdain for the Big Apple.”
My face drops and my eyes bulge. “What?” Surely I’ve misheard her.
“Yeah. That was exactly my reaction when Mr. Walcott rendered his verdict on Monday.” Verdict? That sounds very final.
“I don’t get it.” I truly don’t.
“Samantha wants to come back. Or should I say Samantha has put a fire under her father’s ass to expedite her return back to London.”
“How can Mr. Walcott even allow this to happen?”
My question opens the floodgates. Over the next few minutes Ashley performs one of the most impressive verbal diarrhea stunts I’ve ever seen. She’s talking so fast and gesticulating furiously. She’s very upset by this whole ordeal. So am I.
When she’s done explaining how Samantha bombarded her mobile phone with an idiotic number of text messages over the weekend, there’s still something that doesn’t gel for me. “Why so much drama?”
“My guess?”
“Please.”
Ashley leans in closer and I do the same. “This is strictly between the two of us, right?”
I quickly put her mind at ease. “You have my word.”
“If I were a betting woman, I’d put all my chips on the I-started-seeing-a-guy-but-he-won’t-fall-for-my-childish-fits slot.”
That went way over my head. “I didn’t understand a word of what you just said.”
“I concede I might have been a tinge bit too colorful in my description.” Ashley takes a step closer. “Knowing Samantha, I’m willing to bet that this has to do with a bloke. She excels at finding men she can wrap around her little finger. Those are her ideal types of relationships—and a respite for all of us. That said, once in a while she’ll fall head over heels for someone who’s unwilling to take her bullshit. When she’s in those types of relationships it’s hell for everyone around her. She’s usually incredibly moody and erratic in her behavior. So to go back to what I was saying, I’m pretty sure she threw one of her legendary tantrums and a guy with balls told her no. So what does she do? She goes crying to Daddy.”
“Little brat,” I mutter.
I didn’t mean for that to come out, but clearly it did. Ashley blinks, surprised by my retort, but she quickly finds her composure. “I feel the same way, Ethan.”
“Mr. Walcott shouldn’t fold so easily.” I shake my head.
“We both know that the man would be willing to let his daughter get away with murder.”
“That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“Tell me about it.”
At least now I understand why
Delilah has been so elusive over the last few days. On the outside, she was hiding behind her workload, but in reality she was struggling with something much bigger. Something she didn’t deem important enough to share with her boyfriends. I’m not sure why, but I’m determined to get to the bottom of it. When Xander hears of this, he’s going to have a coronary.
Ashley and I both stand there for a few short seconds, shaking our heads in disbelief. My phone vibrates inside my pocket, reminding me that Marcus and Phillip are waiting. “Ashley—”
Her eyes jerk up. “Oh, my God, it’s already a quarter past two.” Ashley is pointing at something over my head. I suspect it’s the big clock. “I have to get into a taxi and make my way back to the gallery. I don’t want to be late for this meeting with the big boss.”
“Of course not. I understand. Not to mention I have a meeting myself.” I pause. “I hope everything turns out for the best.” This sentiment is as much for Ashley as it is for Delilah, Xander and I.
“I would have been hopeful if Mr. Walcott was coming at this with a different attitude, but I have a feeling I’m already defeated. One thing is certain, I’m going to need a stiff drink at the end of this day,” she says, pulling the strap of her handbag over her shoulder.
Something tells me I’m also going to turn to the bottle for comfort.
CHAPTER 58
Delilah
I’ve been stressing out all day anticipating my meeting with Ashley. I’ve been so on edge that I couldn’t eat a bite. I’ve survived on water and coffee. Finally at three o’clock Ashley called me into her office to put me out of my misery. After an emotional meeting, she suggested I end my day early. I didn’t fight her because I was a ball of nerves. Not to mention that just before that meeting, Ethan sent me a text demanding we meet. From the firm tone of his message, there was no way for me to wiggle myself out of this one. I guess the timing is good since I promised myself to talk to Xander and him at the end of my day. Just to make sure I don’t falter on my decision to share with my boyfriends what I’ve been dealing with since I last saw them, Maggie kept sending me reminders throughout the day. By leaving the gallery early, I was able to make it back to my place to grab a few things before I embarked on my journey across the city.
At this time of the day, the traffic is a nightmare. Thank God we’re still moving. We’re definitely not speeding down the road, but at least we’re not stuck in a gridlock of immobile cars.
When we enter Ethan and Xander’s neighborhood, my stomach flutters. Soon I’ll be facing them and there’s no going back from there. The cab turns into the street leading to the cul-de-sac where Ethan’s and Xander’s houses stand in the foreground. Without warning, a lump forms in my throat and I get emotional at the sight. Just like all day, I have to fight back the tears.
We crawl up the wide brick driveway at a slow pace, taking us along manicured hedge bushes adorning both sides of the road. The driveway turns and we’re nearly there. Even at this time of the day with the sun nowhere in view, their houses are quite impressive. Each one is majestic on its own, but their closeness has them sprawling across the green front yard like a mini-castle. The driver steers the car towards the house on the right and stops in front of Xander’s door. Like always, I barely have time to get out before the front door swings open.
When I see him, I smile. Xander does the same. He observes my every move as I get out of the cab and make my way towards him. I’m trembling so much from the aftershock of my meeting with Ashley that my legs are shaking underneath me. I haven’t got a clue how I manage to make it from the cab to his door without collapsing, but I do. Our eyes are locked into each other. There has always been a very strong pull between us, but now it’s as powerful as the most magnetic object in the universe. I’m vaguely aware of the driver fussing behind me to retrieve my belongings from the trunk. Our gaze doesn’t break away when the driver runs up the stairs with my overnight bag and drops it at Xander’s feet. My eyes only shift when Xander taps the guy on the shoulder and says, “Thanks so much.”
“It’s always a pleasure, Mr. Emerson,” the driver says. Xander stuffs what I suspect is a tip in the guy’s front pocket. “Thank you.” The driver slightly bows his head as he pats his chest before running down the stairs. “Have a good evening, madam,” he says as he passes.
“The same to you,” I respond, my eyes still on Xander.
“You look as beautiful as always, Delilah,” he says. How can I possibly live without these sweet accolades?
“Thanks,” I say simply.
With emotions running high, I didn’t really spend too much time on my wardrobe. When I got home, I removed my more polished professional clothing and slipped into something far more casual. Since it’s a warm night, I opted for a simple white sweetheart top. This is one of my favorites in my wardrobe because the sleeves hit me right above the elbow and the fabric is flowy enough that it falls away from my body. In other words, it’s quite flattering to the stomach. I matched that with a pair of casual jeans and a pair of hot pink ballerina flats. I didn’t make much of an effort with my makeup this morning, and I kept things very demure for this evening. These past few days have been far too distracting for anything more.
“Sweetheart, come in.” Xander extends his hand to help me up the last step. When I walk in Ethan is standing there, looking as devastatingly handsome as he always does. My heart constricts. This is going to be a harder conversation that I expected.
“Love, I can’t believe we haven’t seen you since Sunday night. It feels like it’s been ages.”
“That’s because it has,” Xander throws behind me. “Not only that, but her mobile phone seems to be broken since she’s not responding to our messages.” Okay, I get it. He’s upset.
“Now, now, dear friend. Our girlfriend has been very busy at work and she needs her evenings to recuperate.” The way Ethan says that, I’m not able to tell if he’s being sympathetic or sarcastic.
“I’m sorry,” I babble awkwardly.
“Don’t worry about it.” Ethan pulls me towards the kitchen. “Xander is a little sensitive. He’s missed you a lot.” Ethan stops in front of the island, forcing me to do the same. He places his finger under my chin and tilts my head up until our eyes meet. “So have I.” I want to look away, but I can’t. Ethan is searing me into place with his intense gaze.
“I’ve missed you too.” My voice is so soft. It’s such a contrast to the thunder raging inside me. “Both of you,” I add. If they only knew how much.
“You have? Really?” Ethan cocks an eyebrow.
“Of course.” I hesitate.
“You have a strange way of showing it.” Ethan’s words pierce my heart.
“I really mean it,” I say in my defense. I understand they don’t know about the pile of shit that was dropped in my lap two days ago, but my feelings for them haven’t changed. On the contrary, the idea of losing them has only made my feelings for them even stronger. It’s just that I’ve been too wrapped up in my unfortunate predicament to tell them.
“In that case, why have you been avoiding us?” Xander is standing right next to his best friend now. Their expressions are closed and serious.
“That’s a very good question. I’m eager to hear what our girlfriend has to say.” Ethan only adds fuel to the fire with his biting comment.
Okay, I thought they were at least going to wait until we had a drink or two before drilling me. “It’s been a really long couple of days. There’s a lot that I need to share with you, but I needed some confirmations before I said anything.”
“Did you get them?” Xander asks. “Those confirmations, that is.”
I nod. “Yes, I did.” I lower my eyes and dance from one foot to the other.
“Can you share them with us now?” Ethan asks.
I look up at him. “Yes, I can.”
“Well, that’s promising. Don’t you think, Xander?” Although Ethan is addressing his best friend, his eyes haven’t looked away from mine.<
br />
“Indeed it is.” Xander crosses his arms over his chest and stares intently at me for a few uncomfortable seconds. Finally he says, “Are you hungry?” His question seems to come out of left field. One second he’s questioning why I haven’t been in touch, the next he’s inquiring if he needs to feed me. I don’t know what I expected from tonight, but I must say their attitude is very strange. Maybe they’re dealing with their own pile of shit.
“Er… Yes… Um, that would be great. I haven’t eaten all day. Now that you’ve mentioned, I’m famished.”
“That’s not good,” Ethan scolds.
“I agree. I don’t like to hear that you’re not taking care of yourself.” Xander adds his opinion.
“Like I said, I’ve been dealing with a lot.”
They both frown in a very fatherly way.
“Ethan stopped by our favorite pizza eatery. Why don’t we all have a bite to eat and you can fill us in on what’s transpired in your life lately that’s kept you away from us?”
I swallow hard. Shit.
* * *
It’s such a comforting feeling to be sitting in the glass room again. Ethan, Xander and I are sitting on the big oversized couch. Ethan is the one who suggested we ditch the formal sitting arrangement we usually favor for something more relaxed. Honestly, after the day I’ve had, I welcome something more laid-back.
“Thank you so much for the pizza,” I say, dropping the crust of my last slice on my plate. “This was delicious.”
Since we started eating, Xander and Ethan have kept the conversation to more mundane topics. I’m very grateful for that, although I know the clock is ticking and it’s a matter of time before I’ll be forced to talk. We’re all acting like there isn’t a big elephant in the room and I don’t owe them an explanation. I guess I shouldn’t complain because the more I can delay this, the better.
“Vesuvio Pizzeria has been our go-to place for years now,” Ethan reveals.
“They never disappoint,” Xander adds.
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