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I gritted my teeth, but my pulse raced. It was something I hadn’t thought of myself.How long would Paul want to see me? Would he lose interest in a few days because of my unworldliness? What would I do for money if it didn’t work out?
Isabelle’s face had a downcast expression. “All we’re saying is to be careful. The richer a person is, the higher their expectations. At least with surrogacy, I get to help a family and have a clean break with money and independence. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“Nothing is going on,” I said, and put on a bit of lip gloss to hide the trembling of my hand. “Now I’m going to Professor Elan’s class before she makes me stand for the two-hour lecture.”
They both groaned. We’d all been on the receiving end of her wrath.
“How about dinner? My treat,” Sophie offered and glanced at Isabelle. “I want to make it up to you.”
“So you can slip me more drugs?” I chided. “No chance.”
“I said I’m sorry. And even though I’m a shitty friend, I can still give you advice on handling a wealthy man. Don’t burn our friendship over one little mistake.”
“Nope. You’ll have to do better than dinner to win me back.”
I heard Isabelle laugh before I closed the door. I wasn’t a spiteful person by nature, but if I was discovering something about Sophie, it was that she wasn’t a great friend. As a roommate, she’d been cruel and hurtful, expecting that to help me toughen up. My stomach still felt queasy, and my throat hurt from vomiting. Sophie left me because she only cared about herself. Forgiveness would come, but I wasn’t a pushover.
Sprinting out of the building, I made it to the studio room with ten minutes to spare. Once I was at my station, I had my notebook, portfolio, and my current mannequin set with sewing supplies to work on after the lecture. After logging onto my computer to check my email, I was surprised to discover a message from Crane Enterprises containing an attachment with updated privacy agreements. I electronically signed them since it probably had to do with Dr. Foster’s checking my medical records. Also, a message from Emporium Estates?
“We have scheduled the viewing of your next home for 7:00 p.m.”
My mouth went dry.Paul Crane strikes again. He moved faster than I thought possible. I took out my phone and sent him a text.
Nadia: I haven’t said yes.
He responded a few minutes later.
Paul: You haven’t said no. How are you feeling?
I touched my smile and replied.
Nadia: I feel fine, but I need to know what you mean by “having the final word.”
Paul: No discussions by phone. I know you’re going to see Dr. Foster for a follow-up. How about I pick you up andtake you on a tour of your potential apartment? I’ll drop you back after.
I had looked for apartments in New York City when I first moved here, and a studio was four thousand dollars per month. Landlords wanted the first and last months’ rent, plus a security deposit upfront. After spending the night in one of Paul’s luxurious homes, I could only imagine what extravagance he picked out for me. Was this his way of avoiding hotels?Probably. Still, renting an apartment for me was too much too soon. And I didn’t want to get used to such comforts when I’d never be able to maintain them.
Nadia: No, thank you. I don’t need an apartment.
Paul: I won’t be able to visit you at the dorms.
I hesitated, remembering how excited Sophie had become at the mere mention of him. Even Xander, who usually had deadpan reactions, reacted. Just searching his name online brought up pages of social articles. I admired all the awards for music production on his public page. He even received a BAFTA, Grammy, and an Oscar as a member of a music composition team.
And the same guy carried me around, washed my hair, and massaged my back while I was sick. Unbelievable.
I was well out of my depth and far from my lane.
Paul: I need your answer.
Nadia: I’ve already agreed with Laurence I’d take a ride to Dr. Foster’s. I’ll only look at the apartment, but no promises. You’ll also have to agree to show me your real place. Otherwise, no deal.
“Cell phones off. Now.” Professor Elan’s voice boomed from the front of the studio. “It’s rude as hell, and I won’t repeat anyof this lecture. Do I need to remind you that I’ll fail you for not remembering my requirements?”
Elan’s icy glare zeroed in on me, along with her disapproving scowl. I sat up straight and put my phone away. However, I heard the sound of another text.What if I blew it by being standoffish? What if he decides I’m too much trouble?
My stomach somersaulted. My demands may have blown the experience of a lifetime with a drop-dead gorgeous man who wanted to spoil me.
My mind raced as I tried my hardest to pay attention, but eventually, I gave up and turned on my recorder to review the lecture later. Then came the most dreaded time of Professor Elan’s class: when she came by to assess our current portfolio. She never liked any of my designs.
