Page 31 of Perfectly Wrong

Seconds later, he texted back.

Decision made. That’s our couch. I’ll have the office handle it. Thanks! <3

Sam’s team and the salesperson handled the details. They discussed payment and delivery, and I realized how practical—and boring—celebrity life could be. Picking out furniture should be fun, right? Going to the store, testing things out, imagining them in your space. But for celebrities, all it took was a call and it was done. Cold, distant, weird. But it wasn’t my problem or my couch, so I shouldn’t care, right?

A little later, I bought some black heels and accessories. Then that familiar number popped up on my screen again.

“How mad would you be if I told you I got you a gift?” Sam’s voice was both anxious and nervous.

“Well, hello! Yes, I’m doing great, thanks for asking. I’m glad you’re okay too,” I teased.

“Elena.” His grumble made me smile.

“I don’t know. Probably very mad. But tell me what you bought, and I’ll decide.”

He hesitated, and I rolled my eyes. If you know someone will be upset, why do it anyway?

“I got you a pair of earrings,” he murmured. “They’re simple, but since I’m sure you won’t go to the gala with me, I wanted to be there with you in some way.”

I almost rolled my eyes at how sweet he was.

“Right.” I took a moment to process. Why did everyone suddenly want to go to this gala with me? “Well, thank you, I guess. And you’ll be there too, it’s not like we won’t see each other.”

“Yeah.” I could almost hear him smiling. “But you won’t be there as my date. So I thought this would be a way to go with you without actually being with you. You’re not taking anyone, right?”

I bit my lower lip. “See, about that… I do have a date.” He exhaled sharply. “And I can’t wait to introduce you two. He’s amazing; you’ll see.”

Silence. I glanced at the screen to make sure I hadn’t lost the connection.

“Still there?” I asked, and he chuckled.

“I love how you avoid using my name, just in case.”

I rolled my eyes. “I hate you.”

“I don’t.” Those simple words sent shivers down my spine. “Call me Philip or Romeo, Elena. Those are my other names. Just promise me you’re not going with Rento, or I swear I’ll shove these earrings down his throat.”

I grimaced. “God, no. He tried to ask me, but my date beat him to it. I wasn’t available when that piece of trash tried.”

“Good. I hope you have a great time at the gala,” he said, his voice tinged with sadness.

“I hope we both do.”

I kept walking for a bit longer so we could keep talking before I had to head to the subway. I missed him—his humour, his easy laughter. I couldn’t wait to have Sam back in town in a few days.

I completely nailed the Japanese band’s presentation. Everything went even better than I’d hoped, and when they mentioned keeping me on the project, Jeremy finally stepped in and confirmed that my part was done. They got what they wanted—the best employee in the company to create a marketing plan for their band. Now, I could pass it on to another team and get back to my life. Rento’s disappointment was obvious, and I felt like dancing on the table, I was so thrilled.

After the meeting, I decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator in our nine-story building. I heard my phone ring and checked the message:

I’m home!

I stumbled a bit and nearly fell, grabbing the banister just in time to keep my phone from flying out of my hand. My heart raced as I considered my options. I could head straight over and stop missing him, or I could pretend to be focused on work and meet Sam later at his new place.

I’ll be there soon!

I stopped by Jeremy’s office and told him I wasn’t feeling well. He was in a good mood, so he told me to go home, rest, and enjoy the success of the presentation. I let my team know I’d be out until Monday and left. When I reached the building’s lounge, another message popped up.

There’s a car waiting for you outside.

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