Page 135 of Getting Down to Business

“I don’t think they make princess dresses in your size.” They laughed as Lucy thumped down the steps in a glittering atrocity.

“You look lovely, your highness.” Doug bowed elegantly. “And you, my queen, will be mine after bedtime,” he whispered only to Chanda.

* * * *

Alyssa and Grayson were back to being strangers. Over the last two weeks, she’d thrown herself into her work to keep from dealing with her life.

Grayson was busy packing and taking care of last minute arrangements, while Alyssa stayed in her room in denial of the fact he was leaving.

There was no farewell party or even a toast at the bar. He’d refused.

The moving company came in that Saturday and took all of his boxes and furniture. Their home echoed as he walked back inside, picking up his bag and handing her his key.

“Well, I guess this is it. I have a plane to catch.”

“Okay. Good luck.” She took the key without looking at him. She was sure if she did, she’d end up on her knees, begging him to stay with her.

He leaned down and gave her a hug. She just stood there woodenly, unable to respond. With a sigh, he turned and walked out the door.

She heard his footsteps as he entered the hall and shut the door. She knew that was it. She wouldn’t ever see him again, but she couldn’t move to make him stop.

She didn’t deserve to be happy.

Tears filled her eyes and flowed the rest of the weekend.

On Monday, she went into the office with red swollen eyes, causing everyone to stare and gossip. Not that she cared at all. Her manager had planned to give her another account, but after taking one look at her, she retreated back to her office and gave it to someone else.

Again, she didn’t care.

She texted Grayson a few times. Asking how his flight was. Was he getting settled okay? They were just random questions in an attempt to connect with him again in some way. She missed him so much, it felt like he’d accidentally packed up her soul in one of his boxes and taken it to San Diego with him.

He never texted back.

Even her email went unanswered. She didn’t give up. She told him about the weather and how he’d gotten some mail. She told him how she hadn’t found anyone to rent his room to yet.

Two weeks later, she was no better. If anything, she was getting worse.

He still hadn’t answered.

She was watching television in her pajamas on Saturday afternoon when the doorbell rang.

She pulled open the door after checking to see who was there.

“Hey, Iz,” Alyssa greeted Grayson’s older sister.

“Hey.” She frowned at Alyssa’s appearance. “Gray asked me to stop by and pick up some mail.”

Alyssa couldn’t hold it back. She burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably as Izzy wrapped her arms around her and led her over to the sofa.

“What’s wrong?”

“I miss him so much.”

“You do?” Iz seemed surprised.

“Yes. I didn’t want him to leave.”

“Huh. He told me you didn’t care about him. He said you probably wouldn’t even notice he was gone.”