Page 41 of If You Need Me

“I would like to drive you to work,” he states.

I could deny him and take an Uber, but I’m not in the mood to be nice to someone I know, let alone to someone I don’t know. “Okay, that would be good.”

“Great. Good. Let me box up the food. The fruit and muffins you can take to work.”

“What about the rest of it? Seems like a waste.”

“There are a couple of guys down the street from the hotel who are unhoused. They might like the waffles and stuff.”

I love that he has a plan in mind. Having worked with Flip the past couple of years, and having spent a lot of time with Rix, I’m aware that they often didn’t have enough growing up. When Flip isn’t helping Tristan coach kids with special needs or trying to keep his endorsement campaigns from being cancelled, he’s all about giving back to the community. He donates to school programs and foodbanks.

I gather my personal effects, which consist of last night’s panties, the dry-cleaning bag containing my dress, and a tiny clutch purse with my lipstick and phone. Dallas carries the extra clothes and takeout containers.

We leave the beautiful room that did not get the appreciation it should have and make our way to the lobby. As promised, Dallas gives two unhoused men our takeout boxes. The valetbrings his car around—which means he somehow orchestrated getting it back here—and he drives me to the office.

When we arrive at work, I pause with my hand on the door handle. “Thanks for taking care of me last night.”

“I’d do it a million times over, Wills. I’m sorry I stressed you out to the point that you drank too much.”

“I’m responsible for my own actions, Dallas. At least Brooklyn and Sean’s engagement isn’t the biggest deal at the reunion anymore, right?” It seems so petty to even care.

“There’s that.” Dallas gives me a small smile. “I hope today doesn’t suck too badly for you.”

“Me too.”

He looks like he wants to say something else, but I get out of the vehicle before he can make me dislike him any less.

CHAPTER 15

HEMI

Iscroll through the email chain as I take the elevator to my office, my irritation level climbing by the second.

Subject: Arena Availability

Hi Topher,

Checking in on rink availability for the boys’ team. We discussed dates, but you mentioned there might be some conflicts. Should I contact PR on this?

Best,

Bob Royer

Subject: Arena Availability

Hi Bob,

I’ll check in with Wilhelmina and get back to you.

Best,

Topher Guy

Subject: Arena Availability Circling Back

Hi Topher,

Checking on an update.

---