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She came to me and slipped her arms around my neck. "I'm excited. I've never had such a nice place before. What about furniture? We're going to have to get everything. My measly things at Candace's place won't fill much."
"You can forget your measly things at Candace's place," I said. "You need a new desk, a real desk with a hutch and filing cabinet. You're a doctoral student and that's serious business."
She laughed. "My father always said a PhD meant 'piled higher and deeper' so I don't know how serious it is in the greater scheme of things."
"Don't kid yourself," I said and kissed her. "Your father is exceptionally proud of you for going this far in your education. I know he is because he told me so."
She smiled at that. "I guess."
"No 'I guess'. You should be proud."
I pulled her into my arms, and we embraced for a few moments, just enjoying each other's warmth.
We spent the rest of the day enjoying the good weather, walking through Central Park and waiting to hear back from Nathan. Later that evening, I got the call from Nathan that the owners were happy with our price and so the place was ours once we signed all the papers.
Thirty days...
We celebrated by going to a nice restaurant in Midtown that served some of the best steaks around. I invited John and Greg to join us, and the four of us had an en
joyable meal and then spent some time afterward in the lounge, having drinks and celebrating.
Over the next week, while Alexa went to class and I worked on the new project, we settled into a routine that we would keep for the next year at least. The only difference would be that we would be living in our own apartment and would no longer live out of our suitcases and off room service.
I got a call from Nathan to come and meet him to sign papers, and went down to the real estate office, which was closer to Central Park. I met him before dinner, promising Alexa that we'd order in and watch the game instead of going shopping for furnishings for the apartment since she had a busy day in class and teaching her seminar.
On my way back, I caught sight of Eric entering the building ahead, a boutique hotel called The Lowell, on Madison Avenue and 63rd. Street.
He wasn't alone.
I asked the driver to pull over and I hopped out, and walked down the street towards the hotel, glancing at my watch to check the time.
Six o'clock. What on earth could Eric be doing going into a hotel at this time, with a beautiful young woman on his arm?
I had no doubt about the reason and my anger rose.
I stopped in a doorway half a block away and texted Dana, just to see what she was doing and if I could get some intel on where Eric was supposed to be.
LUKE: Hey, sis. What's up in your world? Whatcha doing tonight? You and Eric looking after that beautiful little baby? I thought I might pop by and check on you.
DANA: Hey, brother. We're doing fine. Eric is out of town on a business trip all week, but I'm free if you want to visit.
I clenched my fist, wishing I could plough it right into Eric's smug face.
LUKE: I'd love to pop by. Be there in about half an hour. Have you eaten dinner yet? I could pick up something and we could indulge in whatever you desire.
DANA: Whatever I desire? How about Korean BBQ. I can't ever get enough.
LUKE: Korean BBQ it is. See you in about 30 depending on traffic.
DANA: Love you, bro.
LUKE: Love you, sis.
I searched through my contacts and found Eric's work number, which I had because of his involvement in the financing of the Chatter deal. It wasn't his cell, so it would most likely go to his answering service since he was most definitely out of the office.
While I waited for the call to connect, I walked towards the Lowell Hotel, trying hard not to let my anger get the best of me and failing miserably.
The call rang and rang. I counted five rings before it finally connected.
