She gasps again, this time reaching over to slap me playfully.
“How did you manage to leave out that you’re working for your ex’sfather?”
My ex’s father, who calls meagain, but again, I push the button to ignore it.
“Shouldn’t you answer that?” She raises a brow.
“No, I don’t work on Saturdays.”
Though I have a feeling this has nothing to do with work. The last time he called me this late, he was drunk. It’s probably the same right now, and if Gia weren’t here, I’d gladly answer.
Gia narrows her eyes, giving me a look like she knows something is up, but I’m not getting into that conversation with her—or anyone. If I won’t acknowledge it myself, why in the world would I share it with others?
“Besides, I’m here with you,” I say. “And I’m not letting anyone come between us again.”
She smiles again, then turns toward the TV and grabs the remote from the coffee table. “Let’s find something funny to watch.”
I end up asking the front desk to get me more wine because we run out, and they do without issue. We watch movie after movie after movie until we both fall asleep on the couch. I’m woken up deep into the night by someone knocking on my door. I carefully get up, finding Gia curled up against the side of the couch. I cover her with my fluffy blanket, put the wine glass on the coffee table from off the floor, then go to the door.
Checking the time on the microwave, I see it’s nearly three. Who the heck could be here?
Looking through the peephole, I see Elliot. He looks as handsome as ever, though slightly tired.
I pull the door open and slip out. He frowns at me. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?” I ask quietly.
“I called you,” he says accusingly, looking past me and at my door, as if he’ll be able to see into it through the one-inch crack I left.
“I know, but I’m with a friend, and—”
“Who?” he demands.
“A friend.”
“A male friend?”
I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. “Are we really having this conversation right now?” He flinches, looking as if I’ve wounded him. I relent, letting out a sigh. “It’s not a guy, Elliot. It’s an old friend. Someone I lost touch with because of Harrison.”
“Shit.” He runs a hand through his hair, glancing down the hall then back to me. “I’m sorry, Seraphine. This is… I’m…” He shakes his head, reaching out to put his hand on my cheek. “I needed to hear your voice tonight, and when you didn’t answer, I panicked.”
I blink slowly, taking in the emotion written all over his face. Did something happen? Why is he being so emotional?
“I’m sorry. I should have answered.”
“No. I understand why you didn’t. I’m wrong here.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong, but… I should get back inside before she wakes up.”
He looks back at my apartment for a quick second before giving me a nod.
“Can I take you out for breakfast?”
“Can we make it lunch? I’ve had a lot to drink.”
He cracks a smile, which makes me smile. “Of course.”
He leans forward, kissing my forehead. “Good night, Seraphine.”
“Night, Elliot.”
