Page 219 of The Baby Twist
“Nope.” I smiled. “My life is as good as it gets. Besides, emotions aren’t my thing. I’ve been on my own for a very long time, and that’s how I like it. I don’t need women drama in my life. Look at Christine.”
“And Kara, Claire, Suzanne, Scarlet, Jenny—need I go on?” His brow arched.
“No. You can stop.” I stood up from my desk.
“You’re a manwhore, Charlie Stone.” Chase grinned. “I’ll see you tomorrow at Derek’s house. Don’t be late.”
After I left the office, I took a cab and had the driver drop me off across the street from Love At First Sip. Why? I hadn’t a clue. I stood with my hands tucked into my pants pockets and stared from the street at the patrons walking into the shop. I could see two baristas behind the counter through the large window. Neither was Marley.
“What the hell am I doing?” I whispered to myself.
I hailed a cab and headed home. When I stepped off the elevator, a fresh, clean scent radiated throughout the spotless space. After changing my clothes, I headed to Club Luxe to meet my friend Brian for a few drinks.
Chapter Eight
Marley
I grabbed my ringing phone from the counter and saw my assistant, Tami, was calling.
“Hey, Tam.”
“Ugh, Marley. I’m so sorry to do this, but I can’t work tomorrow.” Her voice sounded horrible.
“Tami, what’s wrong?” I asked in a panic.
“I just got back from Urgent Care, and I have strep throat. I’m so sorry. Will you be able to find someone to help you?”
I glanced at the couch where Olivia and Penelope sat watching Sex And The City.
“Yeah, I’ll get someone. Feel better.”
“Thanks, Marley. I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t be. You take care of yourself.”
Walking over to the couch, I squeezed in between my two best friends and hooked my arms around their necks.
“So, which one of you is helping me with the party tomorrow?”
“What happened to Tami?” Penelope asked.
“She just called. She has strep throat.”
“Oh hell no,” Olivia said. “You know me and kids don’t mix.”
“Well, I have that baby shower I HAVE to go to for my cousin, Thea. You know I can’t miss it, or my mom will kill me,” Penelope said.
“Looks like it’s you.” I smiled, kissing the side of Olivia’s head.
“I’m putting it out there now. I am in no way responsible for what I may say or do in front of those kids.”
“You’ll have fun.” I grinned. “It’s a ballerina party.”
Olivia stuck her finger down her throat and acted like she was going to vomit.
The following morning,Olivia and I loaded the boxes for the candy table in my car.
“Is this it?” she asked as we put in the last box.
