Page 85 of Come to Me
I have a conference or a meeting or a court date with Mrs. Waters every week for the next two months. But if I can convince her to settle, I have a free week at the end of next month.
I want that fucking week so I'll finally be able to visit Alyssa.
It's not the safest play. Mrs. Waters is keen to hold on until the end. She's either getting what she wants from her husband or she's getting her ass handed to her in court. In fact, she had some choice words last time I tried to talk her into accepting her husband's offer.
But I'll just have to convince her this is the best offer she's going to get.
Itisthe best offer she's going to get.
I look at flights. It's a popular week to go to New York, dangerously close to the end of fall, the last chance for anyone to see leaves changing colors.
Fuck it.
I have to be in New York with Alyssa. Mrs. Waters is going to have to come around. It's in her best interests.
I'll have to dial up the charm.
I book a flight to New York and a trip for the two of us to Hawaii as soon as her play wraps. I email the details to Alyssa.
She replies back with a smiley face and a promise to wear her skimpiest bikini.
If all goes well, she won't spend a lot of time dressed even that much.
Or little.
I make preparations for the week.
I want it to be perfect. Dinner at the finest restaurants, moonlight walks, trysts by a fireplace.
This is my best chance to erase all of Alyssa's doubts. I'm going to make the most of it.
It's late when I finish. So late Alyssa must be done for the night. It may not seem like much, but "I'm scared" is practically a soul bearing confession for her.
I put my phone on speaker so I can undress while I call her. I have a change of clothes somewhere around here.
"Hey," she answers. Her voice is sweet but tired.
"Hey yourself." I remove my tie and undo the rest of the buttons of my shirt.
"I, um... I'm sorry I sent such a lame freaking text. I probably should have offered a little more."
"It was unsettling. But I'm glad you're talking to me about it."
"I just got off the subway. Can I call you back when I'm in the apartment?"
"Sure," I agree. "But, I am in the middle of taking off my clothes."
"Oh." I grin as her voice perks up. "You're still at work?"
"Unfortunately."
"You've been working late a lot."
"I won't make it a habit."
She takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "So, what are you still wearing?"
"My boxers."
