Page 20 of Josh Dalton

“Like I said. I’m your man.”

The elevator hits the main floor, and the door opens. I put a hand on her back and let her walk out first. Take her hand, and we saunter outside. I texted my driver earlier to expect us, so he’s waiting. He’s a good man.

“Would you like a ride?”

“No, thanks. I don’t have to go far.”

That’s disappointing. But I’ll survive.

I pull her to me and kiss her.

“See you tonight,” I state and hop into my car.

“But––” Her expression grows slack when I close the door.

I wave as the car pulls away.

She’ll be spending the night at my place. I just haven’t told her yet. But I will.

CHAPTER TWENTY

KIM

I get home after visiting the stores and fall onto the couch and kick off my shoes. What an exhausting day. So much to do.

Cancelling this evening’s event crosses my mind, but my friends wouldn’t hear of it. They’d come and get me, done it too many times.

I drape my arm over my eyes for a little nappy time. I’m sleeping deeply when my phone goes off.Perfect.

Reach with my free hand and hit that button on the side to shut it up.

It goes off again.

Ahhhh!

I snatch my phone, sit up, and answer, assuming it’s Zoey or one of the other girls making sure I’m not flaking out on them again. “I’m getting ready now.”

“It’s about time you answer my call.”Oh, for Chrissakes. “Where are you going?” my mother asks.

I should have checked the name. Need to change her ringtone to something ominous so this doesn’t keep happening to me.

“I’m going out with my friends,” I snarl. “I’m not doing any more modeling. Stop trying to line up jobs for me. Everyone knows I’m done.”

“Fine. But that’s not why I’m calling. I want you to meet someone. I’ve been talking you up, and he’s quite interested in you. You will love him.”

She never listens to me. Not only don’t I want to model, I don’t want to date any man she finds for me. They are just younger versions of the ones she dates. They’re all throw-away relationships, never meant to last. Mom can’t handle commitment, or fidelity.

“I’m sorry, Mom, I don’t need a date. I’m seeing someone now. Talk to you later.”

I hang up and wait. The phone rings again. I don’t answer.Not this time, Mom.

I call a taxi and gas it out the door. Twenty minutes later, I’m at the restaurant meeting up with the girls. Catching up with them tonight will be nice. We haven’t done this in a while, the four of us. We’re so busy with work that it becomes harder all the time.

I’m late when I sit down at the table.

“I can’t believe it,” Rachel says. “We bet you wouldn’t show.”

“Ha, ha. My mother called.” I don’t need to say any more than that. They’ve all met her, so they know how she is.

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