One Weekend in Seattle

6. Chapter Six

Sawyer paced around his office. Radio silence from Gabby and he didn’t like it. He checked the flights to San Francisco. All had left on time. He hoped she’d text him to say she made it home okay.

“Ummm, Sawyer, there’s a woman here to see you,” one of the bouncers said.

Sawyer’s mood perked up. “Great.” He made his way downstairs. When he got to the bar area, he was surprised to see Lindsay sitting on a bar stool.

“Lindsay.”

“About time.”

The coldness in her voice almost made him take a step back. “Is everything okay? Is Gabby okay?” His heart stuttered at the thought of Gabby hurt.

“You’re an ass, you know that? I want an explanation, and I want it now.”

Sawyer was confused. “Explain what, Lindsay?”

“How you could hurt my best friend the way you did.”

“Hurt Gabby?” He’d never hurt her. He was half in love with her. Shock ran through him. Half in love? Probably more than that. They’d been apart for less than twenty-four hours. He missed her more than he had any other person in his life. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You lied to her.” Lindsay poked her finger at his chest.

A sliver of dread zipped up his spine. Sawyer tilted his head. “How did I lie to her?”

“Oh come on, Sawyer.” Lindsay waved her hands in the air. “The Vault. You’re the owner, not the manager you told Gabby you were.”

“I’ll admit that’s true. How did you figure it out?” He wasn’t going to lie. In a way, it was a relief that Lindsay and Gabby knew the truth.

“Jesse let it slip last night. It’s not his fault, so don’t blame him.”

“I won’t. Is that why Gabby won’t answer my texts?”

Lindsay gave him a curt nod. “I’m glad she’s not. You hurt her, and you don’t deserve her.”

He stood there for a moment. “You’re right. I don’t deserve her, but that doesn’t matter. She’s important to me.”

“So important that you lied?”

“I didn’t technically lie; I just kept some things to myself.”

“Yeah. Like the fancy apartment Lindsay told me was a perk of your job. I bet that’s yours as well.”

Guilt flashed through his body. “It is.”

“Damn it, Sawyer. Gabby doesn’t care about your money. She cares about you, and you abused that. Plus, you lied about the one thing she just got done unraveling her life from. Money.”

He opened his mouth to defend himself, but he couldn’t. She was right. He should have told Gabby the truth on Sunday, but he didn’t. He had chosen the selfish road, preferring anonymity rather than risk the usual butt kissing because he had money. Except his instincts told him Gabby wouldn’t treat him like that. But he’d never given her a chance to prove herself. He’d thrown her in with every other woman without giving her a chance. He was a complete ass. “What do I do to get her to talk to me?”

Lindsay side-eyed him. “Why should I help you?”

“I love her.”

Lindsay’s eyes widened. “Grovel.”

“How can I do that if she won’t talk to me?” He was willing to do anything to get Gabby to talk to him.

Lindsay stared at him, and something must have told her how serious he was, because her features softened. “You’ve got a mountain to climb.”

“Help me climb it because I’d do anything for Gabby.”

“All right,” Lindsay said. “We need someplace quiet to talk.”

“Let’s go to my office.” Sawyer stood and guided Lindsay upstairs.

“First things first,” Lindsay said, poking him in the chest. Hard. “You hurt my best friend again and I’ll roast your nuts.”

Sawyer held up both hands in surrender. “I’m sure there will be others who will help you.” He had no intention of hurting Gabby again, even though he hadn’t meant to the first time. No. He wanted her in his life.

***

Gabby closed the front door to her apartment and leaned against it. She was tired. Her flight had been at nine, it was now almost one. She’d put her phone in airplane mode, but when she landed and reconnected on the network, her phone nearly blew up.

Texts from Sawyer. She wasn’t ready to talk with him yet. After sending a quick text to Lindsay to let her know she’d landed, she ordered a ride share to take her home. Her apartment felt dreary, like all the joy had been sucked out of it. She’d never been completely happy here, but she’d been content. Now, it just reminded her of every failure in her life.

Wheeling her suitcase into the bedroom, she left it by the door and went into the bathroom. A quick shower would make her feel better. On the flight home, she’d thought a lot about what she and Lindsay had discussed.

She was tired of working long hours, and she wanted something different. Opening her own place would mean long hours again, but it would be her place, not working for someone else. Until she could afford that, some of the jobs she applied for would give her more freedom.

Gabby slipped on her favorite yoga pants and a t-shirt and made her way to her small living room. Once there, she opened her laptop. No time like the present. She quickly typed up a letter of resignation and sent it to her boss at the restaurant.

Tomorrow she’d take a signed copy to him as well. No one was going to be happy about it, but it was time. Two weeks was plenty of time for her to pack up her place and arrange to move in with Lindsay.

Her stomach grumbled. She hadn’t eaten much today, only a bagel at the airport. Pushing to her feet, she went in her tiny kitchen and opened the fridge. Well, darn. There wasn’t much there. She hadn’t gone shopping before she left.

She put on the tea kettle while she tried to decide what she wanted to have delivered. Once her tea was brewing, she sat down in the overstuffed chair she loved, her feet curled underneath her. Gabby began typing on her tablet, making a list of things she needed to do. Half an hour later, she glanced at the list and sipped her now almost cold tea.

Not a bad list. The thing was, could she do it? She pulled up her bank account and noted the balance in her checking and saving accounts. She’d given her two weeks’ notice, so she’d have one more paycheck from her job.

She wouldn’t have rent if she lived with Lindsay. Gabby shook her head. There would still be rent but not as much as she was paying here. She calculated in food and other things. Okay, she could go without a job for about two months.

Could she set up her own business in two months? Doubtful, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t work. One of the jobs she’d been looking at was a personal chef. Mainly for dinner and dinner parties. While she checked out the job, she couldn’t resist and put Sawyer’s name into the search.

There was article after article, so she started reading about his days in tech and how he’d sold his company and then bought The Vault. There was very little gossip about him, mainly business information.

A yawn escaped. She’d been up early this morning so Lindsay could get her to the airport. Maybe a little nap would help. Scooching down in the chair, she set her tablet aside and closed her eyes. She’d rest here for a few minutes.

***

An insistent knocking brought Gabby awake. “Just a second,” she yelled. A groan left her lips as she tried to straighten her body. She’d fallen asleep in the chair, and now everything hurt. She shifted, put her legs straight out, and wiggled her feet.

At least that wasn’t too bad. She braced with her hands and pushed up out of the chair. Her legs were steady. Another good thing. She made her way to her front door and looked out the peep hole.

“Sawyer?” Her voice squeaked.

“Please open the door, Gabby.”

Her fingers curled around the knob, her other hand on the security locks. She froze. Did she want to talk to Sawyer? Yes. No! Oh, heck. He’d come down here. She might as well hear him out. Though there was nothing he could say that would change the hurt she felt.

Was she going to do this? Yes. She turned the knob and pulled the door open, blocking entry with her body. “I don’t know what you want.”

His hair was disheveled, his shirt wrinkled, along with his pants. It had only been a little over a day, but he looked as if he hadn’t slept in days. This wasn’t the sophisticated, elegant man she was used to seeing.

“Can we talk? Please?”

Another please. Even his voice was scratchy. Fine. She’d hear him out, before sending him on his way.

“Come in.” She let go of the door and stepped back. Her heart was hurt, but Sawyer looked like he was hurting too. And she didn’t take joy in that.

Sawyer entered, and her apartment shrank. It wasn’t that big to begin with, but now it was extra small. She could smell his cologne. An image of him and her in bed together flashed in her mind. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

He glanced around her apartment. “Maybe not. It looks like I woke you up. I saw a café around the corner; why don’t we go there and have a chat?”

“I’m not sure what we have to talk about.” She really wasn’t. He’d lied to her.

“Please, Gabby. Let me explain, and if you want nothing to do with me after that, I’ll walk away.”

She blinked. He was giving her an out. This wasn’t the take-charge man she was used to. “All right. Let me change clothes, and I’ll meet you there in twenty.”

His face lit up, and he lifted his hand. His fingers brushed her cheek, and it was all Gabby could do not to press her cheek against his hand. “See you soon.” He turned and left her apartment.

She stood there for a moment before turning and going to the bedroom closet. Something to wear. Jeans and a shirt. Grabbing them, she went into her bathroom. How had Sawyer known where to find her?

Lindsay was more than likely the one who told him where she lived, and she must have had a good reason. Maybe she should call Lindsay to find out what Sawyer said to her. Gabby shook her head. No, this was her decision to make, no one else’s. She quickly cleaned up and dressed.

She grabbed her purse and made sure her keys and cell were in it before she left her apartment. Her hands shook as she locked the door. Was she nervous? Oh yes. She was curious what Sawyer had to say, but she was also apprehensive. What excuse was there for what he’d done?

Was she crazy to give him another chance? Maybe, but seeing him at her door had been a shock. He wasn’t the Sawyer she remembered from twenty-four hours ago. Oh, her body still went on alert and wanted to sink into his embrace. But her brain noticed the lines of strain around his eyes and the stiffness of his movements.

The little bell on the door to the café jingled as she opened it. She waved to the ladies behind the counter before she looked for Sawyer. She loved this quaint café. There he was, sitting at a table in the back. Gabby made her way over.

He stood when he saw her. Ever the gentleman. “Thank you for coming,” he said as she sat down.

“I’m not sure I should have.” Gabby folded her hands into her lap.

“Hey, Gabby. Coffee or something else?” the waitress asked.

“Coffee, please.” Her cup was poured, and Sawyer’s was topped off.

“Would you like to order now?”

Gabby ate here often enough to know the menu, but she wasn’t feeling hungry just yet. “Just coffee for now.”

“Same for me.”

“Okay, wave me down when you’re ready.” She smiled at Sawyer and walked away.

Sawyer stared at her. “Now that you’re here, I don’t know what to say.”

Gabby had plenty to say but, instead, asked the question that was burning a hole in her brain. “Why did you lie to me?”

He winced. “I didn’t technically lie. I do manage the club, but I didn’t mention I owned it. I didn’t see any reason to. We’d just met, and I had to be sure.” Sawyer placed his palms on the table.

“Sure of what?” Curiosity got the better of her. She wanted to know his reasoning.

“After I sold my tech startup, I dated a woman. She knew who I was, and it started off well. She made me believe she wasn’t after my money. It started slowly, she began asking me for more and more items. I finally caved and gave her one of my credit cards, and she went on a spending spree. When I canceled the card, she became angry. She flat out told me all she cared about was my money and what I could buy for her. Since then, I’ve been very cautious.”

Gabby glanced out the window. “That’s horrible. I can understand why you’d be cautious.”

His hand closed over hers, but she pulled away, not quite ready to forgive him. Even if all she wanted right now was his hands on her. His lips on her. His heart beating the same as hers.

“You’re not like that. I realized it within minutes of meeting you.”

“How?” She was curious.

“The first sign was that you didn’t recognize me when I introduced myself.”

“Why should I?”

Sawyer chuckled. “See. Your friend Lindsay figured that out faster than you did. When I learned you didn’t live in Seattle, I began to understand why you didn’t know my name.”

“I was shocked when Jesse said you owned The Vault. I have to admit I did a quick internet search on you when I got home. But nearly all of the information was business, almost nothing personal. Why would that make you so recognizable? I don’t understand.”

“You read about VoltAir Technologies?”

“Yes.” Her eyes widened as if she realized what it meant. “I only skimmed the articles, and the ones I read didn’t mention money.”

“I sold it off five years ago, and it made me an instant billionaire. And that’s when all the parasites started coming out of the woodwork.”

“What happened?” She reached out and squeezed his hand.

“Everyone wanted a piece of me, including Gina.”

“The woman you mentioned?”

“Yes. I hated being defined by my money. So I basically went underground. Eric and I bought The Vault. It was still a little crazy after we opened—with people trying to curry favor—but they learned quickly I wasn’t going to bite.”

“And Gina?” Her heart hurt for him. Her ex had treated her like a bank but nothing like what Sawyer must have gone through.

“When I refused to give in to her demands, she tried a few other things, but when I wouldn’t bite, she finally left. Not that it bothered me. By that time, I was tired of her. When I met you…”

“You were worried I’d go crazy over your money.”

His eyes lit. “Yes, but you were the opposite. I saw it from the start. Gabby, you were so down to earth. When I said I was a manager, you didn’t look down on me, but instead, we started talking about how hard a job it is.”

“And Saturday?”

“I knew I needed to tell you. Selfishly, I held back. I wanted to spend time with you and show you Seattle. Knowing you’re a chef, I decided to pull out all the stops with the food tour, shops that would appeal to you, the underground tour, and dinner at the Space Needle.”

“All things to seduce me.” Her voice was soft.

He shook his head. “All things you would be likely to enjoy with me. You don’t know how hard it was for me not to buy you everything you looked at. I wanted to. I wanted to see you smile and be carefree. And at the end of dinner, if you had wanted to go back to Lindsay’s place, I would’ve taken you there. Even if it meant a very cold shower when I got home.”

She believed him. Sawyer wasn’t one to hold a woman against her will. “The car and driver?”

“He’s an employee of a local company; I do use them a lot.”

“The apartment belongs to you?”

“Yes. I didn’t want to frighten you away.”

Gabby shifted in her seat. “When I told you about my ex, why didn’t you say something?”

“I didn’t know how. Guilt ate at me, but I didn’t know how to come clean without breaking your trust.” He looked down at their hands, still entwined. “In the end, I broke it anyway.”

“You did.”

His hand tightened around hers. “Tell me what I need to do to make this up to you, and I’ll do it. Just name it.”

“Give away all your money,” she blurted out.

“Fine. I can do that.”

“No,” Gabby yelled, causing people to look at them. “I didn’t mean that. Sawyer, you earned that money. Nothing will convince me otherwise that you didn’t give your electronics company your all. The money you earned from selling it was justified.”

“I will give it all up for you.”

“I don’t want you to. I want you to be happy.”

“I’ll only be happy if you’re in my life.”

She closed her eyes. “That’s not true.”

“But it is.” Sawyer released her hand, moved around the table and knelt next to her. “Gabby, I’m nothing without you. I’m usually not impulsive, yet with you, I am.”

Tears filled her eyes. He’d come here to make things right. She’d been home, what? A few hours and here he was, humbling himself for her. No one had ever done that before.

“Get up, Sawyer.”

“I’m not done groveling yet.”

Gabby laughed and waved her hand at his empty seat. “Sit down, and we’ll finish this talk, but quit making a spectacle of the two of us.”

He glanced around, and the entire restaurant watched them. Sawyer grinned. “They’re watching me win back the heart of the woman I love.”

“What?” Her mouth dropped open. “You can’t love me.”

“Why not?”

“Because…” She had to think. “We just met.”

“I knew Saturday you were the woman for me.”

She shook her head. “I don’t believe in love at first sight.”

“I don’t either, but you broke the mold.”

Gabby didn’t know what to say. She really didn’t believe love could happen that fast, even if her heart argued with her on the point.

“I know this is all too soon, and I get it. All I’m asking is you give us a chance.”

She swallowed. “I can do that.”

Relief flashed over his features.

“But don’t lie to me again.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

“All right. Let’s get some food and we can talk some more.”

***

Sawyer took a deep breath. It felt like the first good breath he’d taken in hours. Gabby forgave him. He was humbled and honored. Now to win back her trust. He’d have to tread carefully for a while. Not that he planned to violate her trust again.

“Why did you sell your company?” she asked after their food arrived.

“I was bored.” He grinned. “I’d done all I wanted to do.”

“Why a club?”

“That was a happy accident. My friend Eric had been looking around for a new business venture and came to me. We toured the building and loved the idea of turning it into a club.”

“What was it before?”

“A restaurant, so we had a kitchen, and the rest was easy enough to change out.”

“The restaurant had a second floor?”

“Yeah, they used it for storage, so we opened it up. Put the DJ upstairs along with our office, and an area for people we invite who don’t want to be on the main floor.”

“It looks great. I’m glad you enjoy having the club.”

Sawyer shifted. “I was restless until I met you. It’s like everything fell into place.”

“You give me too much credit.”

He shook his head. “How do I explain what a breath of fresh air you are? I was struck by your laughter when I first saw you. So carefree. And the dancing. We fit together like we’d known each other for ages. And as we talked, it was as if I’d known you forever. You didn’t care what I did for a living. You didn’t think you were better than others.”

“That isn’t how I’m wired.”

“Right. Saturday, you were worried about how much money I spent, but the joy and excitement on your face was worth a thousand times that. Do you know how hard it was for me not to buy you things?”

“Is that why you were antsy in some of the stores? I thought you might be bored.”

“Oh no. I wanted to go behind you and buy everything you put back on the shelves. I wanted you to have every spice, sauce, knife, and anything else you wanted. I wanted to spoil you.”

“You did. No one has ever done something like what you did for me. You saw me and designed a day around what I loved. The shops, dinner, and being with you. You were the one who mattered, not what you could buy me.”

“I know. That’s part of what makes you so special.”

Gabby looked down at her empty plate. “I’m not sure I should mention this to you now, but—”

“What?” His heart skipped a beat.

“I think I told you I haven’t been happy in my job.”

“Yes, you mentioned it.”

“Well, Lindsay and I talked, and I’m moving to Seattle to do something different.”

“But you love being a chef.” She couldn’t give up a part of herself. He wouldn’t let her.

“I do. And I want to continue, only in a different capacity.”

“How?” He was curious about her plans. He would support her no matter what. Just having her closer to him would make him happy, and he would make sure that happiness was reciprocated.

“I’ve been looking at private chef jobs.”

He hadn’t even thought of that. He knew some of his business associates had their own chefs. For him personally, he either ordered out or if needed, had someone cater. “How would that work for you?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve never done anything like that, but from the job postings I’ve seen, I’m more than qualified. I’ve even applied for a couple of them already.”

“That’s great. So, if you get one, you’ll move?”

“No.”

Sawyer frowned.

“I’m moving regardless if I get the job or not. I miss my best friend, and the Seattle area has so much to offer. And to make it better, you are there.”

“I don’t want you to move because of me. I’m willing to do the long-distance thing. I can fly down here anytime.”

“But now you won’t have to spend the money. I’ll live with Lindsay, and it won’t be as expensive as living alone. I don’t have much here, so moving isn’t an issue.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “I need a change. Plus, I’m already half in love with you, so it all makes perfect sense.”

He wasn’t going to argue with her.

Gabby’s cell rang, and she grabbed it out of her purse. “Excuse me for a second.” She put the phone up to her ear. “Hello.” There was a pause. He could hear a male voice, but not the words. “Oh yes. Really? Ummm… Yes, I can do a virtual interview. Can you give me thirty minutes? I’m just finishing up on a late lunch out. Great. Thank you.” She set her phone down and stared at him.

“Job interview?” He had no doubt that’s what the call was about.

“Yes. So unexpected, but they read my application and wanted to grab me before anyone else did.”

“Let’s get back to your place so you can get ready for the interview.” Sawyer waved to their waitress and paid the bill.

An hour later, Gabby started at him. “I can’t believe it.”

“I can.” He’d stayed in the kitchen area of her apartment while she took the interview. With her place being so small, he’d overheard the entire thing. It had been a great success.

“I’ve got the contract. Pull a chair over and read it with me, please. I’d appreciate your opinion.”

Sawyer grabbed the other chair and sat next to her. He was so happy for her. She’d given her credentials but didn’t overplay her strengths or try to make herself out to be something she wasn’t. That was his Gabby.

Together, they read the contract. When they got to the pay portion, Gabby stopped. “They can’t be serious.”

“They can.” The amount didn’t surprise him. Excellent private or personal chefs were hard to come by. “Actually, that is very reasonable. Three to four hours a day, weekends off. Extra pay for dinner parties or weekends.”

“But…” Gabby pulled up a calculator on her phone and put in some numbers. “That’s as much as I’m being paid now for less work.”

“Yes, it is.”

“I…” She shook her head. “I’ve got so much I need to do.”

“You are going to accept the job?”

“I am.” She leaned over and kissed him. “Here’s to a new beginning.”

“I’m all for that. Tell me what you need me to do?”

“I’ve already given notice at my job. I need figure out what I’m keeping and what is going, plus pack and…” Tears filled her eyes. “If I hadn’t met you, none of this would be happening.”

“Wrong. You would have done just fine. You’re the one who got the ball rolling. I’m here to support you.”

“But what about the club?”

“Eric can handle it for a few weeks. I’ll owe him big time, but I can deal with that.”

“This has all happened so fast.”

“It’s meant to be.”

“I’m beginning to think it is.” She glanced around. “This place is small. But if you don’t mind sharing a double bed. You can stay here.”

“I would love to share your bed, and your apartment is fine. It’s homey, and I like it. This will also give me a chance to check out clubs in the area and see what they’re doing. I need to stay on top of the trends.”

Gabby laughed. “My one weekend in Seattle is the best thing that has happened to me.”

“Me too. And I will be with you each step of the way on your new journey. When you’re ready, we can take the next steps in our relationship.”

“I already love you more now than I did an hour ago.”

“That’s good because I’m not letting you go. You’re mine.”

***

Thank you for reading One Weekend in Seattle .