Page 71 of Unwrapping Romance

“I guess I can do that. I really don’t want him here. Are you going to show me that handbag for which I paid an enormous amount of money?” I pointed to the box.

“I will after you change your clothes.” She walked into the bathroom.

I changed out of my suit and went into the bathroom to check myself in the mirror. When I stepped back into the bedroom, Sierra stood there with her new handbag.

“What do you think?” She grinned.

I stared at her momentarily and noted the happiness in her eyes.

“It’s a nice handbag. You have good taste.” I smiled.

“Thank you, Jack.”

I heard the doorbell ring. Running down the stairs, I opened it and let Gretchen inside.

“Thank you for coming over,” I said.

“No problem, Mr. Atlas.”

“You’re sixteen, and it’s a Friday night. I’m surprised you were available.”

“My boyfriend and I broke up, and I didn’t feel like hanging out with my friends.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. But it’s probably for the best. You are only sixteen.”

“Jack.” Sierra smacked my arm. “Don’t listen to him, Gretchen. Are you okay?” She hooked her arm around hers.

“Yeah. I broke up with him. When I looked into the future, I couldn’t see the two of us together. We’d been together foralmost a year, and it was time to let him go. If I can’t see a future with someone, there’s no use in wasting either of our time.”

“You are one smart young lady.” Sierra smiled.

“Gretchen!” Ellie ran up to her and grabbed her hand. “Come look at all the new toys Sierra bought for me today.”

“Excuse me. I bought those toys for you!” I loudly voiced.

“Relax, Jack. She’s only four. Maybe you should have come with us, and then she would have known you bought them. But no. You had to send me out by myself on Black Friday in the middle of holiday hell.”

‘Really? I do believe your compensation for that is right there.” I pointed to her purse.

She rolled her eyes and walked over to Ellie.

“Bye, sweetheart. You be a good girl for Gretchen.” She kissed her little lips.

“I will. Bye, Daddy.”

“Bye, pumpkin.” I kissed her forehead.

“Oh. I ordered a pizza for you and Ellie,” Sierra said to Gretchen. “It’s already paid for, and I told the guy on the phone to have the delivery person knock first and then leave it in front of the door. Wait until he or she leaves before opening the door.”

“I will, Sierra. Thank you.”

We walked down the porch steps, and Eric smiled at Sierra as he held the door to the Escalade open.

“That handbag looks great on you, Sierra.”

“Thank you, Eric. It does, doesn’t it?” She grinned before climbing inside.

“Don’t. Just don’t.” I sighed, shaking my head at him.

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