Give me a sec, I’m going to step outside and I’ll call you. It’ll be easier to explain over the phone than texting.
Harley
Talk to you soon.
Eight minutes go by and he still hasn’t called.
Shit. What happened?
I reach out, grab the cookie, take a giant bite, and chew. A sugar spike won’t calm my nerves, but it gives me something to do.
My phone rings.
I drop the cookie on the plate and accept the video call.
His gorgeous face fills the screen. “I decided to cross the street and distance myself from the restaurant. With the crew walking in and out, I didn’t want to be distracted. And I didn’t want anyone to listen in.”
“I see.”
“I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time. With all the updates you’ve been sending me, I’d hate to kill your mojo because it’s pretty obvious you’re plotting social media dominance for my brands. And just so we’re clear, I have no problem leaving the competition in the dust.”
I laugh.
He’s been all serious and Mr. Bossman all week. I’ve missed this playful side.
“I’m hard at work, but I could take a minute to talk to my boss.”
He nods.
For a few long seconds he holds my gaze.
I break the silence. “Do you want to tell me why I need another appointment with Judith so soon?”
“We’ve been like two sailing ships passing each other all week.”
“Not true. You’ve carried me to bed the few times I’ve waited up for you and fell asleep on the couch.” I wish I wasn’t passed out to the world when that happened.
“There’s no social media dominance without a good night’s sleep in a bed. Wouldn’t want you to wake up with a kink in your neck.”
I shake my head. “The reason we haven’t seen each other is because you’re wearing multiple hats. You’re doing a solid for someone who really needs your help. That’s commendable.”
“Grazie Mille is part of the reason why I’ve been coming home so late and leaving at the crack of dawn.”
This doesn’t sound good.“What does that mean?”
“I needed time to process.”
“Process?”
“Clear my head,” he says.
I’m getting in the way.
When he gets back home, I’m there. He no longer has his house all to himself.
I’ve overstayed my welcome.
My leg bounces underneath my desk. “This roommate situation?—”
