Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Jack
“What the fuck just happened?”
Garrett couldn’t contain his laughter. “That’s what you get for sending your assistant to buy your condoms. I guess she’s just making sure she doesn’t have to do that again for a while.”
I sighed as I picked up the boxes and placed them back in the bag.
“Is everything all set for Coco’s birthday party Friday night?”
“Yes. My mother has taken care of everything. Or should I say her assistants have. You’ll be there, right?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Are you inviting Lorelei?”
“Yes, and she better come.”
“I’m sure she will. I have a meeting. I’ll talk to you later, Jack.”
After Garrett walked out, I yelled for Lorelei to come into my office. Walking in with bags, she sat them on the table and looked at me.
“I didn’t appreciate your sense of humor as far as my condoms were concerned.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny. I was ensuring that you were fully stocked and didn’t have to worry about running out any time soon.”
“Whatever, Lorelei. Coco’s birthday is Friday, and we’re having a birthday party for her, and you’re invited. It’s at the 48 Lounge in the Theater District at seven o’clock.”
“Okay. Sounds fun.”
“Really? You can actually go?” I asked in surprise.
“Yes, Jack. It’s Coco’s birthday. I wouldn’t miss that.”
“Good. I know she really likes you, and it would mean a lot to her if you were there. You can bring someone if you’d like.”
“Like who?” she asked in confusion.
“A date, perhaps?”
“I don’t have a date. I already told you that I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“That’s right. I forgot.” I lied.
I hadn’t forgotten. I just wanted to make sure someone didn’t walk into her life while I was away in Paris. I thought about her every moment I was there. She would have loved it, and I would have enjoyed spending time with her. That meant we would have to spend time together here in New York, starting with Coco’s birthday party.
Looking at my watch, I got up from my desk. “I have a meeting, so I’ll see you later.”
“Okay.” She smiled as I followed her out of my office.
The week went by smoothly. Every time Lorelei went to lunch, she always carried an 11x14 leather-bound book. It was Friday, and I decided to follow her to lunch. I saw her walk into a deli and sit by the window. She didn’t know I was following her, so I had to make it look like I was going to the same deli for lunch. Walking in the door, I pretended not to notice her and placed my order for a carryout. Grabbing the bag from the counter, I turned around and tried to play it casually.
“Lorelei?” I spoke as I walked up to her table.
She quickly closed her book as she looked up at me in shock.
“Jack. What are you doing here?”
“Getting lunch.” I looked at my watch. “I have some time. Would you mind if I joined you?”
She shook her head and placed her black leather-bound book in her tote.
“Since when do you get your own lunch?” she asked with a raised brow.
“I was starving, and I knew you were at lunch, and I didn’t want to wait. You know I don’t like waiting for things.” I smirked. “I didn’t know you came here for lunch. I thought you always ate in Central Park.”
“It’s getting cooler now, and I didn’t pack a lunch today.”
“I see. Well, this is nice. The two of us having lunch together.” I smiled.
“What are you up to, Jack?” Her face twisted.
“Nothing. Why would you ask that?”
“Because since I’ve started working for you, you have never ordered your own lunch, let alone picked it up.”
“There’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?” I grinned.
Shit. She wasn’t buying it. I could tell by the expression on her beautiful face.
“Anyway, I thought I could pick you up tonight for the party.”
“Thanks, Jack, but I’ll just take a cab.”
“But, Lorelei, I insist,” I persisted.
“I’m going to my mom’s house before heading to the party, so I’ll just grab a cab.”
I sighed. She was one tough girl, and I didn’t understand why. Women didn’t turn me down. EVER. I intently stare at her, trying to figure her out.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” Her brows furrowed.
“Because you’re beautiful, Lorelei, and I’m trying to figure you out.”
“There’s nothing to figure out, Jack, and thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” I looked at my watch. “Lunch is over in a few minutes. Shall we head back to the office?”
“Yes. Would you like me to stop at Starbucks for your afternoon fix?” She smiled brightly.
“Nah. I don’t need it today.”
She picked up her tote, and we walked out of the deli.
“Are you going tell me what’s in that black book you’re always carrying around?”
“No.”
I chuckled. “I didn’t think so.”
Lorelei
“How do I look?” I asked Hope as I did a twirl in my crème-colored sheer triple-tier baby doll dress with spaghetti straps and an under-bust corsage in light pink.
“Pretty.” She smiled. “Can you make me a dress like that so we can match?”
“I sure will.” I tapped her on the nose. “Do you have your bag packed to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa’s?”
“Yep. It’s already waiting by the front door.”
I ran my fingers through the curled ends of my blonde hair one last time before dabbing on my Joe Malone perfume and slipping into my crème-colored heels. I grabbed Hope’s bag, and we walked out the door.
Before leaving my mom’s house, I bent down and gave Hope a tight hug.
“I want you to be good for Grandma and Grandpa. They’ll bring you home tomorrow afternoon.”
“I will, Mommy. Have fun at your party.”
“Thanks, baby.”
I took in a deep breath as I stood up and hugged my mom and Nick goodbye.
“Well, here I go.”
“You’ll have fun, sweetie, and don’t worry about Hope. We have a great night planned.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Tonight, you’re not a mother. Go be that young girl who always liked to have a good time.”
“I will.” I softly smiled.
I climbed into the cab waiting at the curb and headed to the party.