Page 30 of The October Arrangement

“Ah.” He nodded. “So you’re still an asshole. Just a remorseful one.”

“Jesus Christ. Did you come here to specifically piss me off?”

“No. That’s just an added benefit.” He smiled. “I like her.”

“Wow. Wonderful,” I said.

“She’s funny, and she doesn’t seem particularly intimidated by you. Which is probably good for you.”

“Whatever you’re about to do with this, don’t.” I pointed at him.

“Do with what, son?”

“Bella.”

“I’ve done nothing.”

“You’ve been sitting there this whole time with that look on your face.”

“What look is that?” he asked.

“The one you get when you think you know something I don’t.”

“All I know is that I stopped by your penthouse this morning to pick up some documents and found a beautiful woman in your living room.”

“She’s only there for a month,” I said. “No longer.”

“Yes, son. I know all about the expiration date.” He smiled.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Because you’re sitting there explaining an awful lot for a man who supposedly doesn’t care.”

“I don’t care. I just want this month to hurry up and end so she’ll leave.”

“Right.” My father nodded.

“Did you come here for an actual reason?”

“Yes. To let you know I’d met Bella.”

“And you’ve told me.”

“And Harold,” a smirk crossed his lips.

“Get out,” I said.

He laughed as he stood up from his chair. “This is going to be an interesting month.” He opened the door and left.

My phone rang. When I glanced at it, I saw my best friend’s name appear on the screen.

“Christian.” I smiled, leaning back in my chair.

“Top of the day to you, Simon.”

“Are you back? How was London?”

“London was great. I flew into New York last night. Are you too busy to meet your best friend for lunch?”