Help. Need help. Emergency. 911!
The gray bubble floats a second before Drew’s reply appears.
OMG! Are you okay? Did you crash the car?
I’m already tapping out my reply.
Remi asked me to go to NYC with him. Overnight. Penthouse. 4 Seasons!!!
More gray dots. I’m chewing my lip like crazy. My heart is beating out of my chest, and all I can think about is a penthouse at the Four Seasons, me in a formal gown, Remi in a tux, dancing at a ball… It’s straight out of a Disney movie.
Are you at the hospital? Are you bleeding? Don’t text 911 unless you’re injured. You almost made me go into labor.
I exhale a little growl.
You can’t go into labor at six weeks. Would you focus please? He wants me to give him an answer tonight. I can’t… can I?
Drew is taking too long to reply. I stand and pace my room, looking out the French doors down at the lake. My stomach is in knots. After last night, I’m not sure what will happen if we’re alone together again. As much as my brain says I can make it one short month, my body is on overdrive when we’re together.
Today at the park was a prime example. He knew what he was doing, licking that cone and watching me with those eyes. My panties almost melted right off. Sitting here now, I can’t even remember what Henry said to me.
Drew’s text finally appears, and it’s one word.
Go.
All that, and just one word? I tap back quickly.
Everyone will know. Everyone will be talking.
She replies just as fast.
You only live once. And everybody’s already talking. Go.
“Ruby!” Lillie’s voice cuts through my mental meltdown. She prances in the room holding her pink Lottie doll. “Gigi says it’s time to eat dinner.”
Tapping quickly, I say goodbye with a reminder.
The shower is Saturday noon at my mom’s. Can you make it?
Yep. Can’t wait to hear the latest hot nanny gossip.
Good grief. She’s teasing, but who knew when I said yes to this job it was going to turn into some kind of twisted soap opera? More like one of those telenovelas.
“Let’s go then.” I take Lillie’s hand and square my shoulders.
I feel like I’m heading into battle.
“Grass-fed buffalo filet, flown in from Montana just for you, ma’am.” The female server, who I now know is named Tessa, puts plates in front of us, and Jake, her helper, slices Lillie’s as usual.
“It wasn’t for me.” Eleanor pretends to be appalled. “This steak is for Mr. Key. He loves a good ribeye, and it’s been weeks since we’ve had red meat.”
She motions to Tessa, who disappears into the kitchen again.
Lillie pokes a slice with her fork then looks up with wide eyes. “It’s bleeding.”
Eleanor is unaffected by her granddaughter’s horror. “Your meat is cooked medium rare, Lillian. Take one bite. It’s the perfect cut prepared the perfect way. Don’t you think, Remington?”
Remi quickly cuts a piece and puts it in his mouth. “It’s delicious. Thanks, Eleanor.”
