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"To be honest, you don't. You only have time for your work, and it makes me feel neglected," she says with a pout.
"I'm sorry about that. At least I'm trying to make it up to you now.”
"Oh, yes, you are. Those flowers are beautiful, but more importantly, this diamond necklace is gorgeous," she beams, caressing her neck. I must admit, the necklace looks stunning on her. Stella deserves a bonus for picking out the perfect piece.
I still remember how Mildred and I formally met at an event a few years ago. What was supposed to be a casual one-night encounter turned into this arrangement. Mildred is quiet, dependable, and not a hassle as long as she gets the luxuries she desires. Although, I've started to notice a change in her lately. It seems like she wants more, and I don't think I'm capable of that. I can't help but think about Phebe. It drives me crazy that even with Mildred here, my mind still drifts back to her. Mildred doesn't interest me as much as Phebe does. This dinner date with her was my attempt to get to help me erase thoughts of Phebe from my mind, but it doesn’t seem to be working.
Phebe,Ithink as I stare at Mildred, who pales in comparison to her. I want to get Phebe out of my mind, and I've tried everything I could but failed. One would think that after so many years she wouldn’t be able to ignite something in me again. I'm angry at myself for this helpless attraction towards her. It feels like she pulls me even harder the more I try to ignore her.
"Jeffrey," Mildred's voice drifts into my mind. I realize she's staring at me with a questioning look.
"Did you say something?" I ask.
"I asked whether we would spend the night at my place or yours?" She asks. I hesitate, unsure of how to tell her that I don't feel the same burning desire for her as she does for me. However, I know I have to satisfy my hunger through someone else. I believe it will help me forget about Phebe.
"We'll see how the night goes," I reply. She seems pleased, reaching out to place her palm on mine. I almost withdraw my hand instinctively but stop myself at the last minute. I remember the electric sensation that had coursed through me when my hand accidentally brushed against Phebe's. With Mildred, there’s no such spark.
"I thought you had a modeling shoot in New York," I say, attempting to start a conversation. Deep down, I wish Phebe were sitting across from me instead of Mildred, but I know that’s not possible.
"That isn’t until the weekend," Mildred replies. The night is long, and I can't wait to be done with it. Everything about her seems overboard to me, her makeup, her perfume, even her behavior. I know it would have been different with Phebe. I think about the time she was in my office and how I had to force myself not to ask her to stay with me. Her natural scent, luscious lips, and beautiful blue eyes are like sirens beckoning me.
"I can't wait to have dessert," Mildred says with a broad smile as we step exit the restaurant. My chauffeur pulls the limo to a halt in front of us, and I help her in before getting in after her. The chauffeur has barely started the car before Mildred leans in to kiss me. I want to push her away, but I hold back, hoping it will help me forget. I give up after a few minutes, realizing nothing is happening. I break the kiss and gently push her back as she tries to continue.
"No," I say, watching as she frowns.
"What do you mean, ‘no?’" She asks.
"I'm not in the mood," I say, not knowing what else to tell her.
"You've got to be kidding me! What was the point of the damn flowers and dinner date? I thought we were on the same page?" She asks in anger as she pulls away from me.
"I can't explain right now, Mildred," I tell her.
"So, it's true," she says, and I give her a frown.
"What’s true?" I ask.
"Oh, please, stop acting like you don't know what I'm talking about. She is back in town and not only that, but she was at your office," she says, and I freeze. Mildred had somehow found out about Phebe a few years back when she stumbled upon an old diary of mine. However, I'm surprised that she knows about Phebe now, especially since they’ve never met, and I’ve made sure to keep Phebe’s presence discreet.
"How did you find out about her?"
"Let's just say, after I saw that diary, I wanted to be sure if our relationship was secure. I made inquiries and found out what I needed to. What surprises me is after everything we've been through, she returns, and you seem to be running back into her arms just like that?" She asks.
"I didn't run back into her arms," I retort.
"It certainly seems that way to me." Mildred folds her arms and gives me a pointed look.
"I don't know what you think you know but I can assure you Phebe is in the past. She was only at my office to discuss business," I explain.
"Wow, so you're working with her now?"
"Technically, I'm working with her company. We are only going to Miami together to…" I begin, but Mildred cuts.
"Wait a minute, you're going to Miami together?"
"It’s not what you think. We are only going there to check the properties I'll be creating artworks for," I try to clarify, although it seems pointless.
"Are you kidding me, right now? Where will you be staying? Don’t tell me it's your beach house," she fires angrily. I furrow my brows because I hadn't considered this aspect.
