Ms. Southerby raises a brow. “Right last name, but it’s a woman.”
“Elsie?” I ask.
“Why yes, how on earth did you know that?"
“We know her brothers. You met Riggs, the man I’m dating. Rhonda is dating Elsie’s other brother, Ash.”
“Really? Then I guess I have you two to thank for this good fortune. I already purchased a plane ticket to Florida. I’m going to Disney World!”
Both our phones ping at the same time with a text from Riggs.
CHAPTER 39
Riggs
Since the moment I left Maddie at the Portland airport, life has been absolute hell.
For the past two weeks I haven’t been able to sleep, and not because of jet lag. I’ve woken up every night reaching for her, wanting to feel the warmth of her body next to mine. When we were together, I don’t think she was aware of how many times I would wake in the middle of the night and just marvel that this woman was in my bed. But as fortunate as I felt, it also made me nervous. A woman like her, so smart and fun, would be on other guys’ radars, lots of other guys. I kept thinking, while I’m gone, what would keep one of them from trying to step in and take my place? They could do something I couldn’t. They could be with her. How could I compete with that? I can’t—hence the reason my relationships never work out. Losing Veronica was… not that bad, actually. I didn’t have feelings for her. I thought I did, but now I realize they were nothing compared to how I feel about Maddie.
Now I’m living in a constant state of fear. Fear ofgetting a text like the one I got from Veronica. I’ve lost my appetite over it which is something that’s never happened to me. Even the producer noticed how I’ve been skipping meals and asked if I was feeling all right. What could I tell him? Not wanting to explain, I just told him I’d be fine.
But I won’t be fine. There’s this constant ache in my chest with no relief in sight. I’ve never been this miserable.
When she told me she couldn’t come to New Zealand, I knew what I had to do. I called Elsie and had her buy the fabric shop. But, being the businesswoman she is, she tried to talk me out of it solely on the grounds that it was a poor investment. The conversation got a little heated, which never happens between us, but in the end, she agreed, if for no other reason than she realized how important it was to me.
Ash, on the other hand, was pretty excited. “Damn, bro, smart move. Wish I’d thought of it.”
I’m all bundled up standing on the beach of Lake Wakatipu with my phone resting in my gloved hands. It’s Monday, and it’s freezing. While it’s the middle of summer for Maddie, in New Zealand it’s the middle of winter. Despite the stinging cold, I love the sound of the small waves rippling over the sandy beach and how the water is so clear it looks like glass. Ash is in his room waiting, and I just got word that Ms. Southerby is telling girls now. She texted Elise a few minutes ago. I bring up the group text that includes all four of us.
Riggs:Any chance you girls will change your minds about meeting us here? You’d love the scenery. The hotel is on the beach, and the food is good. I think you’d like it.
Rhonda:That depends.
That depends? Definitely not the response I was anticipating. Did something happen?
Ash:On what?
Rhonda:Would we be flying first class or peasant class?
Ash:Lol! Pack your winter clothes, baby.I’ll see you tomorrow!
No response from Maddie. Why? Has she moved on already? Perhaps she decided this is too much. If she’s felt anything like I have these past two weeks, I can see how she’d start to question if this is really doable.
But, before I throw up from the sick feeling forming in my gut, I probably shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Maybe she’s in the bathroom or something. Fingers crossed, that’s all it is.
Riggs:?
Maddie:Looks like we’re coworkers now that we have the same boss. How does the saying go? Don’t dip your pen in the company ink?
Thank the stars and everything else good in the universe. She had me worried there for a minute.
Riggs:What are you talking about? Everyone has office romances.
Maddie:Everyone? Do you even have an office? Come to think of it, I’ve never seen where Elsie works. It sounds like a big company. Do you and Ash work there between trips? Is that why you think everyone has office flings? Wait, do you have a secretary? What does she looklike? I want a photo!
I laugh out loud. God, I’ve missed her.
Riggs:Yes, we have our own offices, but neither of us has a secretary. Everything I know about office romances comes from the internet.
