AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah, that sounds fun. I’d like for you to get to know Sienna better. Setting aside…everything.”
“None of my business, Garrett.”
“I appreciate it. Hey, give me your cell and I’ll get a reservation, then text you the details. Sound good?”
After I’ve rattled off my cell number, we say our goodbyes and hang up.
By the time I’ve reviewed everything that’s urgent in my inbox, it’s almost one. Lunch is always catered in the executive floor’s eating area. That’s the worst part of working on the weekends, honestly. It’s hard to beat the convenience of quickly grabbing a hot meal right down the hall instead of having to pack something or order it to the lobby.
Instead of sitting down at one of the tables, I carry a plate of roasted chicken and vegetables back to my office. Despite coming in early, this morning’s distractions mean I’m running behind on what I’d planned to accomplish today.
Right as I’ve sat down at my desk with lunch, my phone rings. My personal cell, not my work line.
I glance at the screen, an unexpected jolt of excitement immediately affecting me. There’s no dread or annoyance when I see her name.
I rub my palms together and clear my throat twice before I answer Hannah’s call.
“Good afternoon,” she greets.
I smile, then glance at the clock. “Good morning.”
“Thought you might be at lunch.”
“It’s a working one today,” I answer. “You were hoping for my voicemail?”
“Honestly…yes.”
I make a beeping sound and instantly feel like an idiot.
Hannah’s laughter catches me off guard. It’s bright and warm and ends too soon. “I called to ask you this last night, then chickened out,” she admits.
My mind begins racing with different possibilities. What could she possibly be nervous about asking me? Were Asher and Scarlett right? Is this going to become about money?
“My parents are hosting a family dinner on Saturday night. And they wanted me to invite you. They…want to meet you.”
“Why?”
She mumbles something unintelligible. Then exhales. “They met other guys I’ve dated, and I didn’t marry any of them. They’re curious. Overbearing. I don’t know. I tried to talk my mom out of it, but she insisted I ask you. So I’m just…asking.”
My work phone starts ringing. It’s an extension few people have, so it’s probably important.
I ignore it. “They know we’re getting divorced, right?”
“Yes. But they also think our marriage means you’re important to me, so you’re important to them.”
“I can’t this weekend, Hannah.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. Surprisingly, I’m not having to feign the note of regret in my voice. I’m curious about her family. And part of me wants to see her again, away from the neon lights of Vegas. “We just closed a deal with a pharmaceutical company, and I—”
“Yeah, I saw. Thompson & Thompson. Congrats.”
“Right.” I’m surprised she knows the details, and it resonates in my response. It was a nice deal, but not exactly front-page news. The only people I’d expect to take note are those ensconced in the business world.
There’s a knock on the door.
“Not now!” I call out, right as the phone on my desk begins ringing again. “I’m sorry, Hannah.” I’m not even sure what I’m apologizing for. I hate apologizing. Usually avoid it at all costs.
“It’s fine, Oliver.” There’s not even the barest hint of anger or disappointment in her voice.
Nois the answer she was expecting, I realize. She was reluctant to ask and fully expecting me not to accept. Neither of those sit well with me.
