Page 13
I would also be doing her a favor; she said she’s always wanted to visit New York. And, I know she would love the business aspect of the trip. I can’t help but wonder about pleasure.
My phone rings, interrupting my lousy attempt at a pep talk. Pressing the talk button on the steering wheel, I answer, “Hamilton.”
“What’s up, man?” Noah’s voice greets me.
“Not much, headed home to shower and change. I’ll be stopping by the office around 11:00 to pick up a few things, and then I need to pack and be ready to head your way tomorrow. Is there anything else you need me grab while I’m there?”
“No, man. I think we’re good. I’ll leave your apartment keys with my driver. Text when you land,” he informs me. “Wait. Did you just say you’re headed home to change? It’s what, like 8:00 your time? Late night?” He laughs.
“Something like that. But different. I don’t know- It was…” I begin, trying to explain but sounding like a total chick.
“What’s her name?” Noah’s voice is smug. That SOB is perceptive as always. “Look I know it’s been over with Tess for a while, even if it’s not official. We’re glad to hear it in fact.”
Before I can answer, a ding alerts me I have an incoming call. “Hey, man, we will have to finish this later. I have another call.”
“Okay, sure thing,” he jokes thinking I’m evading the question.
“I’m serious.” I try to explain before another ding sounds.
“Bring her,” he adds.
“What?” I ask, though knowing exactly what he means. Am I that transparent?
“I didn’t stutter; bring her with you. I’m dying to see who has the infamous, Benjamin Hamilton, so tongue-tied.” His laughter echoes in the car before he disconnects, and the line switches over to the sound of running water.
“Hamilton here.”
“Ben its—” It’s her!
“Alexa?” My voice comes out way more desperate than I’m comfortable with. Clearing my throat, I continue. “Alexa, what can I do for you?”
“Really? That’s how you want to play this?” Her voice is nearly drowned out by the sounds of running water.
“Are you in the shower?” I grow hard at the thought of her stripped down.
“This was a mistake—” she huffs out.
“Wait. Please, don’t hang up.” Searching for something else to say, I settle on, “Have you thought anymore about the offer?”
“That’s actually why I’m calling.” Her voice is sounding less than enthusiastic. “I would like to accept your offer, but I would like to discuss the terms.”
“Okay, name your price.” Cringing, I correct myself before she can hang up on me. “Terms. Name your terms.”
There’s silence on the line, except for the running water, the only thing that lets me know she hasn’t hung up yet. “Alexa? You there?”
“Yeah. I’m here. Look, I’m running late for my final. Is there somewhere we could meet to negotiate the terms? The diner perhaps?” She is all business, and hearing the take-charge tone in her voice has me adjusting myself.
“That all sounds great. It’s just that my first meeting got moved up, and we actually would need to leave tomorrow.” I expect her to argue, but she shocks me by saying okay.
“Okay…works for me. I just need to let Vince and Dottie know so they can cover for me.”
“Are they going to be okay with that? I mean how will they fill your place on such short notice?” I’m suddenly reminded she has a life, a job, and me asking her to join me on a whim screws with all of that.
“It sounds an awful lot like you’re trying to talk me out of going? Do you or do you not need an escort?” she stammers.
“No, I do. It’s just that I don’t want you to get into trouble. And that description is your word, not mine.” My voice softens, trying to explain.
“Well, I guess you gave me twenty-five thousand reasons not to care.” Alexa’s tone is harsh, and I can’t tell who she’s angry with – me for offering or herself for accepting.
