“Yes, sir. My family has a big week-long celebration we do each year. I think I’ve mentioned it before.”
“You have. I apologize for forgetting.”
She laughs. “No need. You’re a busy man. If you could remember everything, I’d be even more impressed by you.”
“Well that’s good to know,” I reply with a gentle smile. “I hope you have a good time. Be sure to take lots of photos. I’ll want a report when you come back.”
“Yes, sir.” She spins on her heels, mimicking a soldier as she heads to the door. It’s only once she’s there that she turns back to me. “I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and may all your wishes come true.”
I’m not sure why, but that simple blessing has me choking up. She can’t possibly know that the one thing I want for Christmas is something I can’t really have.
How can I when he doesn’t want me back?
Telling Edward I’m going on vacation without him should be easy. If he were anyone else, I’d call him and just say the words.
But it’s not so straightforward.
When I finish up for the day, I text him to ask if he’s free to chat. Since his schedule changes day to day, I never know what he’s got going on or where he’ll be.
Instead of answering, he calls me. “Bram!” he shouts when I answer.
“Yes, Edward?”
“I was just thinking of you. Where are you? Let’s do dinner. My treat this time.”
I’m shaking my head before he finishes the thought. He’s never had to pay for a meal while in my company, and he never will if I have a say.
While his work does bring in a good amount of income, I don’t like the idea of him taking care of things. Especially not when I have globs of money thanks to the family business.
The Lauriers are old school rich. I’ve got at least four generations’ worth of wealth in my accounts and assets. The fact that I still work is merely because I’d be bored otherwise.
“You know I’m not going to go along with that, however, dinner sounds nice. I’m just leaving the office. What sounds good to you?”
“Sushi? Or maybe Italian? I’m not really sure. I just don’t want a burger and fries again.”
I sigh. “Have you not been eating right all week? Is work that busy?”
“It’s not that. I’ve been trying to get ahead on some articles before the break. I’d love to have everything scheduled to go since I don’t want to be strapped to my phone. You know what I mean?”
“Yeah, I get it. Let’s do sushi, then. I’ll come by to grab you, then we can go.”
“Ok, good. I’m at home. I know you made the assumption, but I just needed to clarify,” he says in a teasing tone.
I smile at that, nodding to my driver as he opens my door. Covering the receiver, I tell him, “To Edward’s house, please.”
“Yes, Mr. Laurier.”
“Ohhhhh. You and your fancy driver.”
“Don’t be mean. I’d have driven myself, but I’ve been backed up with work. Every second counts before the end of the year. You know that.”
He whines softly. “Yeah, I do. Sorry for being a butthead. Forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive. Be dressed and ready. Traffic looks light.”
I hear him stumble around on the line as he rushes to get dressed. It brings a smile to my face. Even though I know he means it in a friendly way, it’s nice to know I’m important enough for him to rush for. I like thinking I mean something to him.
It’s my delusional lizard brain.
