Page 44 of Dirty Little Secret, Baby
I hope I'm not disturbing you. Were you able to sort things out? We could do a movie night.
"Hey, Beth, I just wanted to ask you if... Oh, sorry. Do you have a customer?" I hear Veronica's voice coming down from upstairs, making me jump. Is something wrong with Ben? I listen, but I don't hear him crying, which relieves me a little.
"No, this gentleman was just leaving. He just wants my shop. Not my flowers," I say again, feeling my heart pound in my chest.
"You got that right. But if you would hear what I have to offer, then..."
"I don't want to," I say.
"It'll be worth your while. For you and your business."
"Didn't you hear the lady? Get out!" Veronica says, pointing toward the door.
"No wonder your shop is going downhill," he says, shaking his head and turning to leave.
"What a slimy guy. Reminds me of your ex," says Veronica. "What was he going to offer you for the shop?"
"No idea. Honestly, I don't want to know either. I don't want to do business with someone like that," I say, and pause. "Now, about you. Is something wrong with Ben?" I ask quickly.
"No, everything's fine. He's sleeping. I just wanted to ask if you're hungry and if I should make you some lunch."
"You're too good for this world," I say and give her a kiss on the cheek. "You don't have to, it's okay," I say, and show Veronica the message from Alex.
"Movie night. Sounds romantic," she says with a grin.
"Don't be silly," I say, grinning back. "I have to tell him, and maybe it's better to go to his place, and for once, nothing will get in the way."
"You might be on to something there. But I have a double shift today and I can't..."
"Don't worry. I promised Ben I'd be with him tonight. Definitely not tonight."
"Tomorrow? I could arrange that and watch Ben," Veronica offers, looking at her calendar on her smartphone.
"You're the best," I say, touched. Then I pause, wondering again if I should really do this.
Yes, this is the right way. The truth has to come out, so I reply to Alex.
Tomorrow night at 8 at your place?
The reply doesn't take long.
Okay, I'm looking forward to it. But one condition...
My heart pounds like crazy as I wait for what's coming next:
Dress comfy. No evening wear. And I'll provide some snacks and drinks.
I can't help it. I have to grin at the thought of sitting on the couch of his mansion with the rich guy in sweatpants, eating chips. It's almost too perfect, and yet I know it probably won't get that far, because I should tell him what's what right away.
Chapter 18
Alex
The next evening
This is it. I glance at the clock; it’s 8:03 p.m., and I’m hoping the doorbell will ring any second. I’ve been looking forward to this all day and barely got anything worthwhile done at the office. At least the whole thing with the strike has been resolved, and I was spared any more calls or appearances from Dilara and Jake yesterday and today. Have they given up, maybe? No, that’s not like Jake. He’s probably planning something bigger.
But I don’t care about that today. I check the coffee table again, where several bags of chips, gummy bears, chocolate-covered nuts, and popcorn have found their place. I'm wearing my best pair of sweatpants and the simplest white T-shirt my closet had to offer. Casual outfit, just as promised.
