Page 38 of Flawless Foundations

"I'm not feeling well, I think I'm going to have to call it a night," I tell her and look around for our server to bring the bill.

"Bex, please," she says, but I cut her off.

"No, I need to think about things before I talk to Levi. And I need to do it alone." I make eye contact with our server, who nods in acknowledgment. A moment later, he's at our table and looks between us as to who to hand the bill to. I know this place is way out of Emmy's price range, and it's always been my treat, so despite my anger at the King family, she's still my best friend so I snag it out of his hand and I hear her protest.

"I've got it," I mutter and pull out enough twenties to cover the bill and tip. I hand the sleek black waiter wallet back to the server. I hook my purse over my forearm and stand. Emmy is hot on my heels as we exit the restaurant.

"Becca, please hold on for a moment," she pleads once again.

"What?" I huff and turn to her.

"He cares about you so much. Don't do anything you'll regret later. Please." She reaches out and rubs the side of my arm. I sigh, lean in, and give her a hug goodbye.

"I'll be in touch," I say.

"Do you want to share a ride?" Her one last-ditch effort to keep me talking.

"You're in the opposite direction. I'll walk the three blocks." I start to turn when she whines. "But it's getting late, just take a cab with me."

I lift my hand and wave back at her. "I'll text you when I get home." And with that, I'm stomping down a crowded street heading toward 425 Madison.

I didn't want to risk being too distracted on my brisk walk home, so I wait to text Levi once I'm home. I quietly let myself into my apartment, careful not to slam the door in case he can hear me from his own apartment.

I drop my purse on the floor near the door after pulling out my phone. I shoot off a text to Emmy letting her know I'm home. Then I send Levi a text, his response is immediate.

Me:Hey, not feeling well. Cut my night short with Em. Going to bed.

Levi:do you need me to get you anything? I need to talk to you, you up for that?

Me:No, and not tonight.

Levi:oh, okay. Text me in the morning, and I'll bring you donuts.

I don't reply, tossing my phone into the middle of my bed. I quickly and angrily undress, pulling on a pair of tiny shorts and the shirt I stole from Levi's the first night I stayed over. I bring it up to my nose and inhale his delicious scent that lingers even though it's been in my drawer. Then I remember that I'm angry at him as I crawl into my bed and hide under the covers.

What the hell was he thinking by not telling me? I wallow in bed for a little, replaying everything I found out tonight. Then I try to recall all the conversations I've had with Levi regarding work and our relationship. Nothing makes sense. Through all the dissection of my thoughts and the facts and opinions I've been given, one thing nags at the back of my mind. Letting the thought take hold, grow, and shape into an undeniable truth, a lone tear runs down my cheek.

I would have agreed to marry him, had he only asked.

Chapter 18

Levi

Istumble groggily through my apartment to the kitchen. I pull a k-cup off the rack and load up my Keurig and hit the brew button. I rub the sleep from my eyes and wait for my coffee to brew. The smell of my favorite dark roast wafts through the space. I pull the hot mug from the maker and walk to my couch and sink into the cool leather.

I didn't sleep well last night, tossing and turning all night. The last time I looked at the clock, it read just after three in the morning. I finally fell asleep after that, waking to my alarm at seven. I need to go to the gym, that will help release some of my pent-up stress, but I need to check in on Becca first. I look around for my phone and realize I didn't bring it with me. Pushing off the couch, my coffee and I pad back through the apartment to find it. It's sitting on my desk, in the charging station. Hmm. I didn't mean to leave it there. I sit at my desk and unplug my phone. I have a missed call from last night and a text this morning from Emmy. I swipe my phone open and return her call.

"Hey," she answers on the second ring.

"You're up early on a Saturday," I tell my sister, and I peek at the desk clock, seven twenty.

"Have you talked to Becca?" she doesn't waste time with casual talk.

"No, well other than last night, she told me she wasn't feeling good. I was supposed to come over after her night with you, but she canceled."

She makes a noise, it’s mixed between a groan and whimper.

"I'm going to tell her Emmy, I'm going to tell her everything. Things have gone from bad to worse at the office, and I can't put it off anymore." I run my hands through my hair, nervous energy pumps into me. What I don't mention to Emmy is that when I left the office on time for once, I went straight to the family’s jeweler and picked out a ring. I wasn't sure of her size, but I made a guess and after looking at more rings than I thought possible, I finally found the perfect ring.

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