Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Um…” The model cleared his throat. “Should I start crying for this shot, too?”
“No.” Lisa shook her head. “No, please don’t.”
She signaled for the photographer to put away his camera. “We’re done for the day, everyone. I’ll email later with a new schedule.”
The model shot me a look of sympathy before disappearing, while the photographer set down one of the rose bouquet props from earlier.
Lisa plopped down on the bench next to me, sighing.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’ll do better next time, I swear. My emotions are just getting the best of me today, that’s all.”
“They’ve been getting the best of you ever since the breakup, Andrea,” she said. “You’re falling apart like you were the one in the wrong, not him.”
“Was it wrong for me to get mad about the layoffs?” I asked. “Like, honestly? Was his lie really unforgivable?”
She looked like she wanted to strangle me.
“You need to go cold turkey as soon as possible,” she said. “You’re still clinging to him, and that’s the problem.”
“No, I’m not.” I shook my head. “I haven’t talked to him at all, and I’ve blocked his calls.”
“What about his texts and emails?”
I said nothing.
I’d only muted those.
“Have you packed up your desk and removed all your things from headquarters?” she pressed.
“I’m planning on it,” I said. “I just haven’t had the time.”
“It’s not like you’re working…” She looked at me. “You’re secretly hoping he won’t be exactly who he showed himself to be and you’ll get back together.”
“Stop talking to me like this is one of your romance novels.”
“You need to completely cut all ties.” She squeezed my hand. “The quicker, the better.”
I knew she was right, but I refused to agree.
“At least block his texts, Andrea. Do it today.”
“Okay…”
“You promise?”
No. “I promise.”
FORTY-FOUR (B)
ANDREA
BLOCK HIM ALREADY
Our personal relationship aside… You’re still on my payroll.
You’re OBLIGATED to answer the messages I send you on THIS company phone, and I know you can see them…
I suggest you come in this week or I’ll be taking you to court for wage theft.
My finger hovered over the “block” button, but I still couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Knock! Knock! Knockkkk!
“Did you order something?” Everly called out. “The delivery guy is being annoying!”
“I didn’t order any food!”
“Are you sure?” she yelled. “Maybe you forgot again!”
Before I could answer her, more of Harrison’s texts appeared on my screen.
BLOCK HIM ALREADY
I’m outside your sister’s apartment, and I know you’re in there…
Open the damn door.
Now.
Oh my god.
I rushed to Everly’s bedroom.
“I don’t have any extra bills on me,” she said. “Ask the delivery guy if he has a digital wallet.”
“It’s Harrison,” I said. “That’s him knocking.”
“In that case, can I answer it and tell him to piss off?”
“What if he asks to come in?”
“I’ll tell him hell no.”
“That won’t work.” I shook my head. “I know him, and I know you.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“That he can manipulate you.”
“Right…” She rolled her eyes. “Do you have an alternative idea to me sending him away?”
“Yes, actually.” I walked over to our living room closet, stepping inside and hiding behind a thick array of hanging sweaters. “Tell him I’m not here, and after he sees for himself, I’ll come out.”
“He’s not going to barge in, Andrea.”
“This is just in case he does.” I leaned against the wall. “Push that box against the edge of this door once you shut it.”
She rolled her eyes but obliged.
I lowered myself onto a crate, wincing as the cold metal bit through my silk pajamas. Then I peered through the crack, watching Everly head toward our front door.
“Okay, enough!” She swung it open. “She’s not here, she hates you, and you can go away now.”
“Hello to you too, Everly,” his deep voice sifted through the room. “Mind if I come in?”
“Yes, I do mind.” She crossed her arms. “Seeing as though you and I are not friends and my sister isn’t here…” Her voice trailed off, and the frown on her face slowly disappeared.
“These are my favorite.” She smiled, turning around to reveal a bouquet of pink and white orchids. “I, um… I meant what I said about her not being here, though. Can I make you a coffee to go?”
“Sure.”
Seriously, Everly?
She ushered him inside like he was a wanted guest.
While she secured the flowers in a vase, he strolled across the condo and glanced into the guest bedroom. From where I was sitting, he actually looked hurt, but I refused to buy into that theory; he probably just wanted me to come back to work.
Don’t see me. Don’t see me.
Sighing, he pulled an envelope from his coat and set it face up on my books before walking to the kitchen.
“So, since she’s clearly living with you,” he said, “where could she possibly be at this hour?”
“I didn’t ask her.”
“But you know,” he said. “Where is she?”