AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Better. I’m sure I’ll be able to come in tomorrow. Will the legal team still be here?”
I shrug. “Stay home tomorrow. Don’t rush coming back, okay? We need to get you well.”
“It’s just that this was, like, my most important Tate International shining moment, and I failed it by getting sick.”
“How is any of that your fault? Besides, we’re managing okay without you.”
She just stares at me and nods. She’s so cute in her pajamas, and with her wet hair plastered against her head, it’s like I can see the real Elianna. I like the real Elianna. A lot.
“You better get going, don’t you think?”
She’s kicking me out? I don’t know how I feel about that. I haven’t gotten enough time with her. “If you wanted to take a nap or something, then sure. But I’m not in any hurry to get back.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say that. What about The Calendar? You must be so behind by now.”
She’s right, my day’s schedule has been blown to bits, and part of me is really bothered by that. But I can’t seem to care enough to leave.
“With the acquisition, everything’s had to be changed around anyway. I’m not worried.” I’m really not, which is surprising.
She brings her feet up so the soles are flat on the chair cushion she’s sitting on. “Well, I don’t want to nap. I’ve been sleeping for too long.” Just then, she yawns again, and chuckles as she tries to hide it behind her hand. “Don’t pay any attention to the yawning woman behind the curtain.”
“The Wizard of Oz?” I ask, laughing at her version of the famous quote.
“How’d you guess? I was in it when I was nine . . . a munchkin, and I sang the Lullaby League song. And then I helped direct it one year in Capistrano. It was glorious.”
I want to say,you’re glorious, but that’s just cheesy. Not smooth. I’ve never been smooth, and I’ll never understand the reputation I got in high school and college for being a ladies’ man.
I spring up from the sofa.
“You ready to go?” She stands, and Destiny’s Child hops up and darts back and forth between us, tail wagging.
“I guess I should.” I don’t want to go. What I really want to do is dip her back and kiss her. But I don’t think she’d want that, especially considering she’s trying to keep her distance. I’ve already been exposed from being so close to her last night, so I’m not worried about that.
But I don’t kiss for the fun of it. A physical relationship means something, and I don’t play around, despite what people might assume.
The problem is, I want to kiss Elianna. I want a relationship with her.
The thought is agonizing. I’m split in two. Slit and gutted, like the fish I catch in the lake in the summers.
Which is why I make my way to the door, mumble a “Get better,” and leave. Without a backward glance.
Chapter 21
Elianna
I wrap my arms around my middle, focusing on the way Destiny’s Child gives three or four quick swipes at the front door after Sebastian high tails it out of here.
“You want him to come back?” I say. I add under my breath, “Me, too.” I manage to bend my knees so I can pet her. This is progress. Even just a few hours ago, I was so sick that just the thought of bending my knees or turning my head filled me with dread.
See? I’m getting better. I can totally go back to work in the morning, right?
Except Sebastian expressly forbade it. And I don’t want to spread this particular brand of Hell to anyone else. Still, I’m invested. I care about what’s happening with the acquisition and how it’s going to affect our bottom line. I care about Tate International.
I care about Sebastian.
So much. And I have to swallow down the forlorn air in my apartment after he leaves.
Did I ever really thank him for how he took care of me last night? I remember bits and pieces, and I’m hoping I didn’t do anything to embarrass myself or him. Would he tell me if I did? Would I even want to know?
