“Given your immaturity today,” I said quietly, “I’d be okay with that.”
Pain flashed across her face like a slap.
“So I’m just a number on a spreadsheet to you as well?” she asked.
“Right now, you’re a pain in my ass and seconds away from me making you attend some mandatory anger-management classes.”
“I meant what I said about never talking to you again if you go through with this.”
“Please don’t threaten me with a good time.”
Silence.
“I’ll have my things out of your place by the end of the day.”
“You’re being dramatic, Andrea.” I sighed. “Let me take you home and we’ll talk about it. I can explain.”
“No, that’s okay.” She walked to the door, voice brittle. “I’d hate for you to miss out on any more fun from ruining people’s lives.”
“If you walk out of the door without hearing me out, I’m not going to chase after you.”
“Good,” she said without looking back. “I’m counting on it.”
THIRTY-NINE
ANDREA
Later that afternoon, David pulled to the curb and helped me out of the town car.
I wiped my tears with a Kleenex, trying not to cry so hard that I made myself sick all over again.
I carried my duffel bag inside Everly’s brand-new condo, holding back tears with every step forward.
“Let me help you with those,” Dave said, taking them from me. “Please, Miss Stone.”
He carried the bags to the guest bedroom and hit the lights. Ever the gentleman, he pulled back the sheets on my bed, but the last thing I wanted to do was lie down.
“Can you do me a huge favor, Dave?” I asked.
“Name it.”
“If Mr. Cross asks where you last took me?—”
“When he asks, you mean,” he corrected me.
“Yes, when.” I swallowed. “Can you tell him it was at the Grand Alaskan Hotel near Wall Street? And that’s where I’m staying for a while?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
“Thank you.” I pulled him close, hugging him. “Thank you for everything. I wish there was a way I could pay you for all you’ve done these past several months.”
“I’d never accept it from you.” He patted my back before slowly releasing me. “It’s been a pleasure, plus I’ve gotten a front-row seat to history.”
“History?”
“First person to ever tell Mr. Cross ‘no’ and get away with it, and first person to ever make him seem like an actual human being.” He smiled. “I’m in awe.”
I tried to think of something else to say—something more fitting for our goodbye—but he saved me from an awkward closing.
