My floor manager messaged me earlier to confirm that my brother had arrived and was helping the guys with the package, so that’s a relief. Sometimes he’s so bullheaded I think he just agrees with me to shut me up, but then does his own thing anyway. He doesn’t think things through properly.
But with Bardil handling the warehouse task, and my emergency now sorted out… I suddenly have the afternoon free.
It’s amusing that the moment I have free time, I head straight home. In the past, I would have gone for lunch or a drink or even to watch the ocean for a bit, but lately all I want to do is be around her.
I can go fetch her and take her out for lunch. I’m sure she’d love the seafood platter at the Pink Pearl restaurant on the beachfront. We can sit inside by the fireplace; the views are still great from there.
Pulling up at the security gate in front of my mansion, the guard waves and opens it for me. I drive through, but he waves me down to stop me.
“Sir, we thought you were at the warehouse,” he says, his brows furrowed.
“No, my plans changed. Is there a problem?” I ask, confused, why it would matter to him.
“No, sir, but Stefania had Drake drive her to the warehouse to surprise you with a visit. She left a while ago.”
“She’s not home?” I ask, surprised.
“No, sir, she went to meet you. As I said, it was meant to be a surprise,” he explains, looking nervous. “I’m sorry, sir, she was really adamant not to tell you.”
“It’s ok, don’t worry. If Drake is with her, I’m sure it’s all fine. I’ll give him a call now and head out that way,” I say, reassuring the guy because he looks like he’s about to go full panic mode for losing Stefania.
I pull back out into the road while I’m dialing Drake.
He answers cheerfully. “Mr. Popov, we were just on our way home,” he tells me straight away.
“She’s with you?” I ask.
“Yes, sir. The surprise visit obviously did not go as planned. But we should be home in the next fifteen to twenty minutes.”
“Where are you now?” I ask.
“Just passing the shopping mall with that giant yellow duck statue outside,” he chuckles, obviously looking at the duck. It’s a ridiculous piece of art, but it’s caught a lot of attention around the city. Both good and bad, which, for an artist, is always good.
“There’s a gas station at the next turn-off. Go there. I’ll meet you in the parking area so I can pick her up,” I tell Drake.
“Yes, sir, taking the turn now. We’ll be waiting there for you,” he confirms.
I think it’s time I got her a cell phone. I know I can trust her, and I’d rather be able to contact her at any time, no matter where she is.
Hanging up the phone, I feel an intense urge to scold Stefania for leaving the house without my permission. Anything could have happened to her. Anyone could have seen her. I hate that she took that risk without even asking me.
She just wanted to see you. I argue with myself.
I like the fact that she wanted to see me, but not if it puts her in danger.
Don’t be hard on her; she missed you. It’s sweet.
By the time I pull into the gas station’s parking area, I have no idea which side I’m more convinced of—if I’m angry with her or taken by the gesture.
I climb out of the car and walk toward Drake’s car. Stef jumps out of the back seat and runs toward me, smiling. “That was a total fail,” she laughs as I open my arms and she runs into a hug.
“What happened? Did you miss me so much you couldn’t bear another second away from me?” I tease her, realizing I can’t be angry with her, not with such a beautiful glow around her. She’s too happy, too full of life for me to bring that down. She was trying to do something sweet for me, that’s all.
“Ha. Ha. Yes, I was pining after you. I could barely breathe. I needed you so badly,” she replies sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
I chuckle and wave to Drake as he drives off, then walk Stef back to my car.
“Alright, Ms. Codependent, how about I take you for lunch?” I tease, ushering her into the car.
