Chapter 44 （B） – Andrea
FORTY-FOUR (B)
ANDREA
BLOCK HIM ALREADY
Our personal relationship aside… You’re still on my payroll.
You’re OBLIGATED to answer the messages I send you on THIS company phone, and I know you can see them…
I suggest you come in this week or I’ll be taking you to court for wage theft.
My finger hovered over the “block” button, but I still couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Knock! Knock! Knockkkk!
“Did you order something?” Everly called out. “The delivery guy is being annoying!”
“I didn’t order any food!”
“Are you sure?” she yelled. “Maybe you forgot again!”
Before I could answer her, more of Harrison’s texts appeared on my screen.
BLOCK HIM ALREADY
I’m outside your sister’s apartment, and I know you’re in there…
Open the damn door.
Now.
Oh my god.
I rushed to Everly’s bedroom.
“I don’t have any extra bills on me,” she said. “Ask the delivery guy if he has a digital wallet.”
“It’s Harrison,” I said. “That’s him knocking.”
“In that case, can I answer it and tell him to piss off?”
“What if he asks to come in?”
“I’ll tell him hell no.”
“That won’t work.” I shook my head. “I know him, and I know you.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“That he can manipulate you.”
“Right…” She rolled her eyes. “Do you have an alternative idea to me sending him away?”
“Yes, actually.” I walked over to our living room closet, stepping inside and hiding behind a thick array of hanging sweaters. “Tell him I’m not here, and after he sees for himself, I’ll come out.”
“He’s not going to barge in, Andrea.”
“This is just in case he does.” I leaned against the wall. “Push that box against the edge of this door once you shut it.”
She rolled her eyes but obliged.
I lowered myself onto a crate, wincing as the cold metal bit through my silk pajamas. Then I peered through the crack, watching Everly head toward our front door.
“Okay, enough!” She swung it open. “She’s not here, she hates you, and you can go away now.”
“Hello to you too, Everly,” his deep voice sifted through the room. “Mind if I come in?”
“Yes, I do mind.” She crossed her arms. “Seeing as though you and I are not friends and my sister isn’t here…” Her voice trailed off, and the frown on her face slowly disappeared.
“These are my favorite.” She smiled, turning around to reveal a bouquet of pink and white orchids. “I, um… I meant what I said about her not being here, though. Can I make you a coffee to go?”
“Sure.”
Seriously, Everly?
She ushered him inside like he was a wanted guest.
While she secured the flowers in a vase, he strolled across the condo and glanced into the guest bedroom. From where I was sitting, he actually looked hurt, but I refused to buy into that theory; he probably just wanted me to come back to work.
Don’t see me. Don’t see me.
Sighing, he pulled an envelope from his coat and set it face up on my books before walking to the kitchen.
“So, since she’s clearly living with you,” he said, “where could she possibly be at this hour?”
“I didn’t ask her.”
“But you know,” he said. “Where is she?”
“On a date.”
“I doubt that,” he said. “What time will she be back?”
“Look, I…” She shook her head. “I’m sorry I let you inside. I shouldn’t have done that, and she wouldn’t be cool with this. Maybe if you’d kept your word and actually had real feelings for her—”
“I do have feelings for Andrea,” he interrupted her. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t, and I miss her more than I can ever explain.”
My breath caught, and I was tempted to step out, but reality slapped me.
No. He’s still laying people off…
Everly’s eyes widened, and she thrust a paper cup toward him.
“I, uh… All I can say is good night, Mr. Cross.”
“Tell her to call me.”
“I can’t promise that.”
“Then I’ll be back.”
He looked as if he were going to say something more, but no words fell from his lips. He glanced at the guest room one last time, and for a moment, I swore his eyes met mine, but he finally turned on his heel and walked away.
When I was certain he was gone, I slipped out and rushed to the window.
Glancing down below, I waited for him to step out of the lobby and onto the sidewalk. I watched him walk toward a gray town car, where his driver was holding the backseat door open for him.
Staring until the car was gone, I picked up the envelope he’d left on my desk.
There was a Post-it note inside.
I fucking miss you…
& you’re still mine.
Please call me.
Please.