“You didn’t let me finish. Nothing happened.”
“Then why is she accusing you of proposing and leaving her knocked up?”
“Because she’s insane!” I shout.
“Look, let’s remain calm. We need a plan. I’ll send out a press release denying the claim, but I’ve got to give them something to nibble on.”
“You mean devour like the fucking sharks they are…”
“Yeah, that. So, my thought was that we could tell them the truth about this woman but that you’ve been in a serious monogamous relationship with someone else for quite some time.”
“But I’m not. I’m not in a serious monogamous relationship.” And the idea of being in a serious monogamous relationship makes me a little ill. “And there’s no one I’ve seen recently that I’d even consider for… for that. The women I date aren’t long-term options.”
“Well, that’s the other thing…”
“What other thing?” Cammy always has a plan. They usually work, but it’s irritating none-the-less.
“You need to date a normal girl.”
“A normal girl? What are you talking about?”
“An average girl. You won’t convince any of the news, uh, sharks, that you’ve gotten serious if you pick someone like your usual flings. The woman for this role needs to be average and maybe a little unique.”
“I don’t know any average women.”
I watch Cameron roll her eyes. “Gabriel, they’re everywhere. Look around.”
I blink at her. “You? You want me to date you?”
“God no!” she shivers. “I don’t know who it should be, I just think…”
“Mr. Parker!” I hear coming from my intercom.
Yeah, I still have an intercom system. It’s old school, but I like it. I feel like I’m in an episode of Madmen sometimes. I step over to my desk and press the reply button. “Yes?”
“Mr. Parker, there’s someone here to see you.”
“I’m in a meeting. Tell them…”
“No! You need to come out here now!” I’m surprised by Miss Cartwright’s bossy tone, but she softens it up by squeaking, “Please?”
“Very well. I’ll be out in a moment.” I turn to Cammy. “Let’s shelve this discussion for now.” I pull open the door, and that’s when I hear voices. Loud voices.
“No! You can’t go back there!” shouts Lexie.
“Let me pass. He’ll want to see me!” says an unknown voice.
I speed my steps until I catch a glimpse of the scene before me. Miss Cartwright is standing with her legs, and arms spread wide attempting to keep a tall, thin blonde woman from moving past reception.
“Shit!” hisses Cammy. “It’s her!”
By ‘her’ she means Cathy or Christina, the woman from the newspaper articles. My baby-mama. I chuckle at my joke but stop as soon as I see the three women’s faces. This isn’t funny. Noted. I clear my throat and speak to the crazy blonde woman, “What can I do for you?”
The blonde’s face is a little flushed, but overall she’s dressed immaculately in a designer suit and perfectly coifed hair. Just my type. “If you’d get this pit-bull out of my way, I’d like to speak with you. It’s urgent.”
Pit bull? I look over at Lexie who is red-faced and panting. Her signature ponytail is sitting askew, and her fists are clenched. “Lexie? Are you okay?”
“Excuse me!” says the blonde rudely. “This is important. We don't have time to worry about the girl in the ridiculous dress.”
