Page 108 of Unfaithful

"I booked you a regular suite. That's simple." His defensive tone told me he was probably pouting on the other end.

I shook my head. "What do you want?"

"Did Mr. Song tell you about your barber appointment tomorrow?"

"I didn't ask for that."

"After four months in the field, I can only imagine the state of your hair. You probably look like you have a silver curly halo."

"My hair is straight, so no. And yes, Mr. Song informed me. About the meeting with Mr. Barnes, too."

At the mention of those names, the giggling girls went still. Recognition dawned in their eyes.

"I'll stop by before your appointment."

"Please don't." I groaned. I wasn't ready for the whirlwind that was Henry. I needed a few days for mental preparation.

"Why? We have a lot to discuss."

"No."

"Then the day after."

I knew how this would end. Henry always won. And since he was holding my credit card hostage, I sighed and grunted a reluctant, "Fine," before hanging up.

The phone rang again.

"Archie!" Dad's voice was just as loud as Henry's, but this time, I wasn't quick enough to pull the phone away.

"I forgot to call; sorry, Dad," I blurted before he could start yelling.

"Are you really planning to stay at the hotel the whole time you're here?"

I stepped out into the lobby just as he barked the question at me. I spotted Chrystal and gave her a nod. She smiled back, completely unaware that I was the same man who had assaulted her nostrils just hours ago.

"Your house is under renovation," I reminded him. "Where exactly am I supposed to sleep?"

I heard him huff on the other end.

"I'll come by for dinner in a couple of days, Dad," I promised.

"Call your mother first," Dad demanded. "Now!"

"Yes, Dad." I had learned long ago that agreeing to my parents' demands was the easiest way to keep the peace. Luckily, their demands mostly revolved around spending more time with their two grown children and occasionally petting us like babies.

As soon as the call ended, I dialed Mom's number. It took ten minutes of reassurance to convince her I was fine, all my limbs were intact, and that I'd prove it when we met. She still didn't believe me, so I switched to a video call while walking along the streets. Eventually, she relented, on the condition that we had breakfast together at the hotel tomorrow.

At the bar, I sat alone, sinking my teeth into the best burger in the country, letting out an embarrassingly loud moan as the flavors exploded on my tongue. The place was packed, and rather than sit alone at a table, I chose the bar, where I had the pleasure of the new bartender's company—a curvaceous redhead who had been trying to chat me up the entire time.

She should've taken the hint ten minutes ago and stayed away. She didn't.

Someone suddenly sat in the empty seat beside me, but I was too focused on my food to care, until a familiar voice made me jump.

"Mom told me you were back. And I had a feeling I'd find you here."

I turned to find a prettier version of my face staring back at me. Julian.

"You know I love the burgers here," I muttered, turning back to my plate.

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