Chapter 14 #2
Okay, let’s taste this. Oh yeah—it’s good. Lots of onions, juicy meat, fresh tomato, crisp lettuce. I haven’t had anything like this in ages.
“Sometimes the good things are right within reach,” she says, raising her eyebrows.
“Are you trying to set me up with London?”
“What?” she asks, irritated.
“My father already wanted me to go out with her.”
“And you don’t want to?”
“No, she’s my… well, she’ll soon be my PA, and that’s how it should stay. It wouldn’t be good.” I look at her and add, “Besides, you said she’s not into me.”
“So, you would go out with her if she was?”
“No. I wouldn’t.”
“Oh, good.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. That really only causes trouble,” she says firmly.
“True.”
“So, what’s your dream woman like? I mean, take me as an example—you never asked me out either.”
I can’t help laughing. “That’s because you’re like a little sister to me.” Still, it’s a good question. “Honestly, I don’t think I’m made for relationships. Any woman’s better off only spending one night with me—nothing more. I don’t want to break anyone’s heart.”
“Being an eternal bachelor isn’t exactly ideal either, huh?”
“I just haven’t met the right one yet.” And I really shouldn’t even be thinking about London. I need to shut down those little fantasies as fast as possible.
“What if you already have?” My ears perk up while Stephanie only nibbles on some fries.
“What do you mean?”
“I knew Marc for years before I gave him a chance, and now…” She trails off. “What if there’s a woman in your life you just don’t notice?”
“Then fate probably doesn’t want us together.”
“Don’t you have any fantasies? Come on. Tell me.”
“Hm, she should be smart. Driven. Have that certain spark. Be athletic and know something about nutrition.” I glance at my burger and take another bite anyway, even though it’s wrecking my whole metabolism.
“The burger wasn’t such a good idea, was it?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s okay to indulge once in a while.”
“I usually watch what I eat.”
“That’s true. You’re a role model, really. Even if I can’t get on board with all the vegan stuff.”
“And I’m athletic too.”
“Yeah, you’ve always been active.”
“She’ll come along someday, Alex. She’s out there. I know it. You just need to open your eyes.” Stephanie smiles at me affectionately.
“Thanks. You really are the best little substitute sister I could ask for.”
“Yeah, that’s absolutely true.”
I’m glad she and Marc found each other, even though I was shocked when they got together eventually. After all that time, love still developed between them. I definitely hadn’t seen that coming.
We chat about everything until my time’s up and soon my next appointment will be in my office.
“Whenever I’m with you, time flies,” she says, wrapping her arms around me. I pat her back gently, but she won’t let go. “I’m so glad you’re finally back here. Promise me you’ll never go back to New York, okay? I don’t ever want to miss you again.”
“I can’t promise, but for now it looks like I’m staying.”
“Music to my ears.”
Stephanie pulls back and looks at me intently before placing her hand on my cheek. “I’ll be back in two weeks. Can you even manage without me?”
“I’ll try,” I tell her. I hadn’t realized just how clingy she’s been the past few days. She was practically glued to me before the wedding too. She must’ve really missed me.
After she leaves, I have to air out the office immediately—partly because of her perfume, partly because of the fast-food smell.
There’s a knock. My appointment already? Way too early.
“Come in,” I call out loudly, otherwise they might not hear me. But it’s London, peeking in.
“Hey, do you have a moment? It’s about… uh.” She hesitates, wrinkling her nose.
“What’s worse, perfume or fast food?” I ask.
“The combination. Wow.” London coughs and steps back. Then she feels along the wall and presses a button. A moment later, the ventilation system kicks in. “Better leave it running the whole time.” She stays in the hall for safety, so I go over to her.
“Thanks. What’s this about?”
“I tested two potential massage therapists, and they’re both interested.”
“Do you have a favorite?”
“They’re both fantastic, so I’d suggest hiring both. One could come on weekday mornings until noon since he already has afternoon clients, and the other is free in the afternoons because he focuses on mornings. If we pay well, they’re both willing to cover a few hours. That could work nicely.”
“Did you let them work you over properly?” I tease.
London beams.
“Thoroughly—I feel reborn.”
“Well, that’s something. Once they start here, schedule me with one right away.” I rub my neck, though it doesn’t actually hurt. I just want to see her reaction.
“I could book you for this evening if you’d like. Even with another therapist.”
“That would be too much trouble.” I keep rubbing my neck. “I haven’t boxed in a while either.”
“Yeah…” London hesitates. I can see her fighting with herself, opening her mouth, closing it again. “I’ll get you one as soon as possible.” I wonder if she almost offered to do it herself.
“Thanks.” She leaves, and I close the door, lost in thought. With some time left, I set up a quick meeting with my New York team. The time difference is only five hours—It's just 9:00 in the morning there and I want to answer some initial questions before my next appointment arrives.
The afternoon flies by. Between conversations, London comes back at one point with a fresh cup of coffee.
“I’ve managed to book you an appointment with a massage therapist. His practice is nearby. Full hour, six to seven.”
That’s what I get for asking.
“Perfect. Thanks a lot.” Maybe it’ll do me good after all.
“Can I ask you something else?” London looks nervous, almost excited.
“Go ahead.” I wonder what’s on her mind.