Chapter Three
HADLEY
I have two voicemails from Cayden. The first was an hourago, asking about setting up another meeting where we could discuss any optionsthat weren’t on the table before. The second one, which came in four minutesafter the first, informs me he’ll be at my office soon to discuss what wedidn’t discuss from the first call.
I ring down to the front desk and tell them not to let himup. I am not about to be railroaded by him, which is his tactic.
Since he’s so eager, which he didn’t seem to be earlier,I’ll let him sweat it out. I check my cellphone, and have a text from my momand one from my roommate, Melanie, who happens to be my cousin.
Mom: Hi honey, I hope you’re doing well. I know it’s alittle early, but I am planning to have Christmas at our house this year andreally want you to come home. Your father and I miss you!
I smile at that. My mother is so cute. I missed last yearbecause of work, this time I will do everything in my power to be there.
Me: A little early? It’s the first week of June!
Mom: Yes, I know, but I am giving you sixmonth’s noticeso you have no excuses!
Me: Okay… I can’t wait to see you and I miss you andDad.
Mom: We’re not that far from the city.
She’s right, but going home is a hassle and the last twotimes my train was delayed four hours. Which meant I had practically no timebefore I had to head back here.
Me: Maybe I can come home for Fourth of July.
Mom: That would make us so happy. Side note: UncleDeclan is going to be in the city this weekend so don’t be surprised if you geta visit.
Me: Thanks for the heads up!
I love my uncles, but they drive Melanie and I crazy withtheir check-in visits they claim are coincidences. Uncle Declan didn’t startcoming into the city frequently until we moved here and my father convinced himto have an office close by.
Mom: Of course. I know he’s a pain in the you know what.
Me: Yes, but we love him anyway. I have to run. Loveyou!
Mom: Love you more.
Then I check Melanie’s text.
Melanie: Pizza or Thai?
That’s a no-brainer.
Me: Pizza! Uncle Dec is in town, keep the lights off anddon’t answer the door. Also, I hate Cayden. Just in case you thought that mayhave changed. It hasn’t.
Melanie: My mom sent me a warning text too. As for theCayden part, can’t wait to hear this.
I bet she can’t. Poor Mel had to listen to my emotionalbreakdown after we slept together. I was so stupid that night. Of all thepeople I decided to hook up with, it was him. I’ll never make that mistake again.
After tossing my phone in my bag, I shut my computer down,grab my laptop, pop my earbuds in, and head home. Our apartment is an adorablerent controlled two bedroom in SoHo. It’s tiny, but neither of us careconsidering the location in Manhattan—and the price.
“Mel?” I call out as I throw my bag on the couch.
“In the kitchen!”
I head into what we call the kitchen, which is more like acloset where they stuck a stove, and smile as she hands me a glass of wine.
“You’re the best.”
