Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 84676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“It’s all very well thought out,” he says eventually. He’s been borderline silent for the last forty minutes. I can’t tell if that’s a good sign or not.
He doesn’t need to say anything for me to be grateful he’s here, despite the fact that his presence is bringing up every emotion I’ve ever had, all at one time. Seeing him is… everything. And so painful it’s like slivers of glass slicing into my skin. How could I think I could just go back to Jersey and get on with the life I had before him? Having him so close satiates something in me. Him being here fills a hole in my heart.
With the comfort of his closeness comes the fear of his absence—the understanding that the more I have of Leo, the bigger the hole in my heart will be if he leaves. I can’t survive many more blows.
“Have you thought about permitting?” he asks.
“Yes,” I reply, with as much authority as I can muster. “It’s all included in the two-year process. The actual construction shouldn’t take more than four months.”
Leo nods. “I want you to use one of my contractors.”
Is he saying yes?
“That’s fine,” I say.
“It’s a small job, but they’ll want to do it well and on time because it’s me.”
“Makes sense,” I reply.
He opens his jacket. I look away from the warm skin at the bottom of his throat where his tie might be, if he ever wore one. He pulls out some folded papers and slides them onto the table. “Take a look over these. If you’re happy, sign them and send them back to my assistant.”
I frown, picking up the papers. I wasn’t prepared for Leo to offer me an employment contract here and now, but I’m not going to say no, either. I look closer. When I confirm what I’m looking at, a smile lights me up from the inside out. It’s a five-year contract in my role as general manager of The Mayfair.
I feel my whole body exhale. At least I didn’t fuck that up.
“You’ve made some really good decisions about this place. You’re organized. Savvy. And I really like what you’ve done.”
I glance up at him, almost scared to look him in the eye in case he sees how much I miss him. “Thank you.”
“If we’re done,” he says, standing.
I get to my feet too. “And I meant to say, I’m really sorry about my dad not showing up for his meeting with you.”
Leo pulls his eyebrows together. “You never need to apologize to anyone about your father’s behavior. That’s on him.”
Easy to say. “But you were doing me a favor by seeing him. I wasted your time.”
“It could never be a waste of my time,” he mumbles, but I’m not quite sure what he means. “How are you? It must have been upsetting.”
“I’m fine. Kinda. It was sort of… north of upsetting. Honestly, I’m still upset. I’ve been trying to focus on work.”
“It’s not my place to suggest this, but have you thought about seeing a therapist?” he asks.
I take a step back at his question. “A therapist?”
“I’ve been thinking about going myself,” he says. “We all have things to work through.”
I don’t know how to respond. Why does Leo need therapy? He’s buried his past with Caroline. Maybe he just wants to manage his day-to-day stress.
An awkward silence passes between us. Leo checks his watch and says, “I need to get to my next meeting, but good work on this. Everything’s coming together perfectly.”
I smile, but nothing feels perfect. “Thank you.”
“I’ll see you soon,” he replies, then he pauses as if he’s going to say something else. But he doesn’t, and turns for the exit.
I watch him leave, his words about seeing me soon echoing in my ears. I should be celebrating this moment, and I will, at some point. Right now, all I can think about is how much I’ve lost.
THIRTY
Jules
The sales launch of the rooftop wedding space opens today. We haven’t started construction because we’re still waiting for some permits to clear, but at least I can show everyone the incredible view.
The entire roof is covered in pink and white flowers and we have five rows of chairs set out opposite a small podium, so people get a feel for what the space will be like when everything’s complete. I’ve also created a makeshift bar with tall tables so people can see how much room there is for their cocktail reception and their ceremony. The banqueting will all take place in the ballroom, but we’re offering the entire city as a backdrop for their vows.
“It looks impressive,” Joan says from beside me.
“You think? We’re asking people to use their imaginations quite a bit.”
“Everyone will be looking at the view. Or thinking about the gift bag.”
That’s my hope. I’ve gone all out on the gift bags. They speak to luxury and contain everything needed to relax after a stressful day of wedding planning. From luxurious bath products to designer linens and a bottle of vintage champagne. If the view doesn’t make us memorable, I hope the gift bags do.