Mimi rolled her eyes. “As if that’s a thing.”
I feigned a shocked expression. “Miriam! Are you not a buyer of my planned to perfection history?”
“Not for a second.”
A slow smile spread across my face. “I knew I liked you.”
Mimi grabbed her wine off the table and sat on the sofa. “So, I take it things have been pretty smooth in romanceland?”
“What makes you say that?” I pushed aside the planning materials and pulled up the bowl of chocolate.
“There’s been no muttering or hair pulling. You also have a goofy smile when replying to text messages.”
I laughed, nearly spitting out my wine. “Really, I feel like my privacy has been violated here.”
“Okay, swallow—then spill,” Mimi instructed.
I shrugged. “I took your advice. Things could have been absolutely dreadful for me the last few weeks if I hadn’t.” I breathed out a steady breath and stared at the materials in front of me. “I feel like we’ve done really well. I honestly don’t think we’ve missed a beat and we won’t next week either.”
“Oh Lord, the pressure,” Mimi stood, setting her wine down. “Let’s save the drinks for after the runway for the devils.”
“Agreed.” I stood to walk Mimi out. “I’m going to be working from home tomorrow, so I’ll see you Monday.”
Nearly an hour later, I’d cleaned up the mess we’d made of my coffee table and fixed myself a small dinner plate. “Finally, the weekend...technically,” I breathed. Not that the weekend before a huge event would mean a day off, but now that I had help, it wasn’t so overwhelming.
I had been spending most nights for the past few weeks at Scott’s; it was enough to make me feel as though we were in a real relationship.
And soon enough, I’d be giving him that choice—to have something real. Screw the job. Screw his connections and ability to quite possibly sabotage my professional existence.
He wouldn’t do that.
I poured out the remains of my wine glass. I needed to stop feeling so guilty. I was as honest about as much as I could be. One might argue even my name. And ninety percent of the time I was justEllewith him. I’d given him my thoughts and ideas anytime I heard him on a business call. Called him out when he was being too rash. Though most of the time, commended him on deftly handling every situation.
I did love it when he was a shark. But there was something extraordinary when the man stepped back and showed an open mind.
Scott had seen more in me than anyone else ever had. I was certain he’d understand. I needed him to understand.
My phone rang just as I reached for the remote. I sat back and checked the screen, hoping it was Char.
But instead, it was the last person on earth I’d want to share anything with.
“Mother,” I answered.
“Why do you insist on calling me that?” the woman whined.
Do you prefer shrew?
“What is it? I’m working,” I lied.
My mother paused. “Are you coming for Christmas?”
“I can’t.” I said flatly. “I’m working.”
“I thought you lost your job. Don’t tell me you went and got one just like it, Isa.”
“Mom, would you stop. It’s a perfectly fine job. I’m paying my Manhattan rent, I buy decent wine, and you know what else,” my voice rose to an angry level it typically did when speaking to this woman, “I happen to be one of the best in the city.”
“Well, you know the saying; when you’re the smartest person in the room…leave.”
