“Um, you’re, uh, too British,” she says.
“Absolutely agree,” I say. But I check my screen, just to make sure he’s actually okay with the teasing. He has a weird look on his face, but, I think it’s happy? It kind of matches Harper’s strange expression.
“Anyway, just wanted to introduce you two. Thanks for answering my questions so quickly today,” I tell him. He was fast with every text I sent his way.
“Yes, well, you know I’m not exactly nose to the grindstone here.”
“What exactly are you doing?” I ask, genuinely interested.
“Ribbon cutting in…Nigel, where are we?” I hear Nigel mutter something. “Minnesota. Dad didn’t want to make the trip.”
“Good, that’s work. You’re working.”
“Really? Big scissors and a couple photos?”
“Yes. Someone had to do it. You did it. Paycheck earned.”
“That’s bloody weird.”
I actually laugh a little, “Yes, I know you’re just getting familiar with the concept. Did you need something?”
“Just checking you survived the day without saying anything else like baddabingbadda—”
“Okay you’re breaking up,” I say over him. “I’ll have to text you back later.”
“Looking forward to it!” he says quickly. I roll my eyes and, as always, he loves it.
I end the call and then check to see his latest answers for me. So far we’re having a real ceremony in New York in the spring, spending the holidays in London and going on a three-month-long honeymoon on his yacht the second my contract with Mellman’s is over.
Harper makes a muffled giggle sound. I look up to find her staring.
“What?”
“I have never seen you…like that.”
I tuck my phone away and join her at the large sink. “Like what?”
“I don’t even know. Uh, smiley?”
My head jerks back, “Me? No.”
“Yes. Like, really smiley.”
I wave a hand before grabbing a dishrag. “He’s an idiot. He makes me laugh. You saw.”
“I saw something. Didn’t look all that fake to me.”
“Harper,” I sigh, “Sweet, sweet Harper. That man is the king of flirting. He’s the charmiest of charmers.”
“So?”
“So, it’s not real. And even if I enjoy laughing at his antics, I could never feel anything real for him.”
Her face falls as she starts scrubbing, “Bummer. Why not? I think you guys are cute.”
“Because he’s just like Steven back in high school. Walker after that. And then…Theo.” I inhale and sigh. “If I was younger and dumber, I’d fall totally head over heels in love with Benedict.” Before she can ask why that would be a bad thing I add, “And in return, he would completely destroy me.”
She doesn’t press.
