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36
Ella
“Ugh, my God, Jacob… this view!”
Even though I’ve been living in Noel’s palace of a home for months now, my jaw still drops as I step out onto the rooftop garden of Jacob’s Notting Hill townhouse.
He chuckles.
“Thank you. It’s maybe the top reason I bought the place. Though I wish I could say all of this is me and my green thumb. But I’m afraid I’m more of a plant serial killer, left to my own devices. So, you’re looking at the work of the very skilled gardeners I hire.”
I grin.
“I mean, I’d starve without takeout food. I can’t cook to save my life.”
He laughs but then winces suddenly as he starts to walk across the garden. I frown, quickly, moving to his side.
“Can I help you?”
He shakes his head, smiling.
“No, thank you. I can manage.”
Jacob winces again, his face grimacing as he leans on his cane. He starts to walk across the patio to a bar cart set up next to a teak-wood dining table and chairs.
“What can I get you—fuck,” he grunts, his jaw clenching.
“Jacob, please, let me.”
He sighs, glancing at me with defeat on his face.
“This goddamn cane.”
“If anyone asks, you were the perfect host and got me a drink yourself.”
He chuckles as I help him move across the bluestone patio and take a seat at the table.
“Besides, you know Idothis for a living.”
He grins as I move to the bar cart.
“Not for long, I imagine. As soon as they’re done fixing up our offices, we’re back in business, with you there heading up our online design.”
“Well, maybe this is the last drink I make for someone, then?” I smirk. “What are you having?”
“Scotch, neat, would be perfect.”
I pour two, turning and handing Jacob his before taking a seat across the table from him.
“Cheers,” he raises his glass. “To new partnerships and new friends.”
I grin. “I’ll toast to that.”
We clink glasses over the table. I take a sip, settling into my seat as Jacob smiles at me.
“Thank you for coming, tonight, Ella.”
“Of course! I couldn’t let you stew over here by yourself getting stood up by idiots.” I shrug. “Besides, it’s nice to get out myself.”
