Nodding, I bring the glass to my lips.
Charles stands and walks by me, patting my back for luck, and leaves. “I’ll do that then.” When he reaches the doorway, I sense his pause. “Savannah must really mean something to you if you’re willing to puzzle piece your empire.” That’s his parting thought.
It makes the air feel heavy. My drink comes with me to the couch, where I lie down and breathe long and controlled.
Opening up has never been a step forward for me—it’s always been a weakness. But for the first time, I’m not convinced that it would be a mistake.
21
SAVANNAH
Afussy toddler wiggles in my arms. Lola, Elodie’s daughter, was sent home sick from the company daycare. It was on my lunch break, and Elodie needed to get more children’s medicine, so here I am at the pharmacy near work with a cranky kid as Elodie searches the shelf.
“Bubblegum flavor,” I recommend when I spot the bottle.
She shakes her head in disagreement. “Lola hates that. Strawberry is the only way.”
Frowning at my goddaughter, I grab hold of her hand.“What’s wrong with you not liking bubblegum flavor? Is your mom not raising you right?” I coo at her.
“Being sick is horrible. She’s extra cranky yet extra cuddly. It’ll be a long night.”
“Give me a call if you need help.” Elodie is strong, but she’s done everything alone. Lola’s dad isn’t in the picture because he doesn’t even know, for many reasons.I’ll always come running to help my friend.
She shakes her head as she grabs a box. “Don’t be silly.You’ll risk getting sick, and I have a feeling you have other plans.”
“Maybe.” I have a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry I’ve been a little MIA. I’m lost in a world I didn’t know existed.”
“Really? Shocking,” she replies dryly, and it causes me to smile more.“How is it going since your work trip situation?” When I told her a week ago that I ended up in bed with Julian and had been together for the last few weeks, she squealed for a solid minute before a wave of concern washed over her at the way my time with Julian is unfolding.
I bounce Lola on my hip as we begin to walk down the aisle. “It’s not a situation.”
“Many couples tend to keep it to themselves at the start. It’s… This is different. Sneaking around, and he may never change his mind. Don’t get too attached.”
“We… upgraded our relationship.”
Her eyes widen, caught off guard. “Really?”
“I mean, I think so. He indicated that he doesn’t want to keep us a secret anymore.”
“Wow.That’s a step. I can’t really imagine him in a relationship, but I trust your judgment, so if you’re happy,I’m happy. I would say if he hurts you, then I’ll kill him, but I kind of need my job because it has free daycare,” she proclaims in jest.
“I think he’s trying. He even abolished the ‘no fruit snacks on my desk’ rule. That shows he cares.”
Elodie snorts a laugh and notices the vitamin water on the end shelf of the aisle and evaluates the options. “It’s kind of weird you're telling me these little things he does that make him seem human.”
“I’m beginning to think he’s only this way with me.” And inside, I gush with happiness every time.
“He is. Everybody in my department thinks he has been extra grouchy lately.”
“I’m trying to change that,” I reflect lightheartedly.
“Actually, he was at the daycare real quick earlier today. Marketing needed a photo to show how great it is to work there, with top benefits, and clearly, the bossman stops by daily to say hello to the kids,” she mocks.
I chuckle at the whole setup. “Yeah, when marketing asked for me to book some time, I had to laugh and warn them of their mistake.”
She grabs a bottle and adds it to her basket as Lola whines.“I truly hope everything becomes the fairytale you deserve.He’s lucky,” she voices with such warmth and care, yet a waft of jealousy ghosts her words.
“Thanks.” I need to say it out loud because I’ve been overanalyzing in my head. “It’s like I’m addicted to his control and possessiveness; it’s his way of showing his feelings. But it’s the power dynamic, it makes me want it, and I’m happy.” She looks at me blankly. “You’ll have something similar one day, too.”
