Page 38 of The Final Draft

“Oh shit, sorry. I didn’t know you were on the phone.” He doesn’t look sorry. “I didn’t even know you were here until I met the delivery guy.”

“I didn’t order…” I grab the bag and look inside to find a Styrofoam container filled with scrambled eggs, an everything bagel, and crispy bacon.

Shit. I’m the worst human on the planet right now. He sent me breakfast from the diner down the block. Now I feel sick at what he must think of me.

Thanks for breakfast. I don’t deserve it.

Or you. Lawson taught me to be a woman of worth. That I don’t need a man to complete me. And I shouldn’t settle. But what if Julian isn’t settling? This breakfast? He’s the poster child for if he wanted to, he would.

I hate to break it to you, but you’re wrong. Gorgeous, you deserve the world.

I don’t feel like we parted well. Can I see you today?

Can I summon the courage to see him today? I need a day or two to clear my head. Think clearly. I respond with my head, not my heart.

Not sure I can muster up enough dignity. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.

Whatever you need, but you’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about. But I’ll give you space. You’re worth the wait.

And that is why I need to figure out what to do. Because when he finds out I know his secret, it could all come crashing down.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

JULIAN

Giving Harper space is hard, but it’s the right thing to do. It’s been three days. Each day I send her a text in the morning and before bed, checking in, letting her know she’s on my mind. Constantly. Her replies include an emoji that I spend way too much time deciphering. I’ve made sure each day she gets dinner or the sweets she loves so much. I’m giving her what she wants and even what she doesn’t know she needs.

And an unexpected bonus to this Harper separation is that I get to work with Priscilla more. We’re making pretty good progress on the book, all things considered. We’ve spent some time getting acquainted too. I’m drawn to her and totally enjoying our chats. While she hasn’t mentioned wanting to meet again, I’ve warmed to the idea. If we’re going to meet these tight deadlines, we’re going to have to work together. Eventually, I’m going to have to trust her to keep my secret.

JB: Do you have a boyfriend?

I’m not sure why I asked or why I even need to know. Yet, I impatiently wait for the green light that shows she’s online. I’ve never been an anxious person, but lately, waiting for Priscilla and Harper to respond to me is making me a nervous Nellie.

PRISCILLA: I didn’t think we shared personal information.

JB: I’m not asking for your socials or anything. Curious if you’re in a relationship, that’s all.

PRISCILLA: You looking for advice?

Am I? I’ll admit, Harper keeps me guessing. I hate the uncertainty of where I stand. Where she stands. The combination of the demanding project, Harper’s magnetic energy, and Priscilla’s mystery has left me feeling completely off balance.

JB: I consider you a friend. Friends share.

Five minutes pass until she responds. I swear, it feels like five hours.

PRISCILLA: Do you think there’s anything to the romance novels we write, or are they pure fantasy?

Well, that question came out of left field.

JB: I believe in romance and love.

I consider my quick response. I’ve watched my siblings and friends fall in love. If I don’t believe in a happily ever after, then I question what it’s all for.

JB: And hope.

PRISCILLA: Me too. Hope keeps me going.

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