Page 38 of Elevator Pitch

I was simply proving you wrong.

Selah

Men aren’t supposed to be right.

Didn’t you know?

Me

It’s my first time being right.

Go easy on me.

Goodnight, Selah. ;)

Selah

Just this once.

Goodnight. :)

I’ve read a few romances she’s recommended, and I think this is what they call a slow burn. I can wait. The fire will be rewarding.

18

mama takes manhattan

Selah

Manhattan, NY | November 24, 2023

My mama has beenin town for Thanksgiving, and it’s been amazing to see her. It’s her first time visiting since I moved to New York, and I’m so proud to show her what I’ve done for myself in these past two years. We had a small dinner yesterday, just the two of us, and it reminded me of old times. I hadn’t been able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with my mom over the years because of how isolated I was living in West Chester with my ex. I’m determined to make up for it as much as I can now that I have a better job that allows me to travel. I’ve visited St. Louis a few times, mostly to surprise her, and I’m grateful I can do things like that now. I’ll cry in the airport when she flies home on Sunday. Thankfully, she’ll be back in a few weeks for Christmas, so I won’t go too long without seeing her.

We’re at Audrey and Rome’s house for Friendsgiving saying our goodbyes to everyone. As she and Rome walk us to our car, I take in Audrey’s beautiful fall decor one last time because when I come over next, she’ll have this place all decked out for Christmas.

Growing up as an only child, I’m very accustomed to it beingjust my mom and I. Something I’ve loved about how my friends celebrate the holidays makes me feel like I’m experiencing what it’s like to have a big family for once. Having my mom here to be a part of it is the icing on the cake. She just jumped in, welcoming everyone with open arms. I noticed her bonding with Chess and Audrey, and I appreciated that. I can’t imagine how difficult the holidays must be without a parent.

My dad and I were never close. He and Mom split up when I was a baby, and he wanted no part in raising me. He started over with a family he loves very much and while I always wished I knew my siblings; my mom did a damn good job with me. I’d be a lot more social if I had a sibling or two, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Plus, I really cherish what I have with the girls now. We’re just missing Eric, who’s spending the holiday with his family in Atlanta. He sent a bunch of pics and gave us a call when we all sat down for dinner, so it felt like he was here anyway.

It’s around midnight when we hit the road and if we were in St. Louis right now, the streets would be bare, but it’s the complete opposite here. Mama’s manning the playlist for the drive home, which has been a vibe so far. She hasn’t gotten over the fact that I work forKiwi Music,which is the cutest thing in the world. She’ll tell anyone who’ll listen about how proud she is of her daughter with the cool job. I knew I had nothing to worry about when it came to Mom’s music taste because I got mine from somewhere. She started us off with some Whitney and Mary J, then turned on Bey’sHomecomingalbum, so we’re having a full-on concert by the time I pull into the parking garage. I remember I haven’t checked my mail in a few days, so we enter through the lobby. Rome bagged up our leftovers, so they were easy for us to carry inside.

As expected, I’ve got quite a bit of mail waiting for me. All I thought about this week was ‘my mom is coming to town’ and couldn’t care less about anything else. I made sure my house was spotless, and the guest room was up to par. I created the illusionthat no one lives there by hiding all the unsightly crap in closets and under the beds like normal people do. Now, it looks like I live in a staged apartment and my mom is under the assumption that I’m an adult who has their shit together.

I tuck the envelopes and mailers under my arm to free a hand to lock the mailbox. I look up and see Greyson greet Gino, our night door attendant, as he enters with Clifford. My heart starts racing at the sight of him. I’ve seen him sincethe kiss,and we’ve maintained our Tuesday coffee dates, but he makes me more nervous now. That kiss altered my brain chemistry. I also forgot to tell my mom about our date. Oops. He strides across the lobby before he notices me and stops in his tracks. Clifford’s tail wags excitedly. We lock eyes, and he flashes a smile that’s impossible not to return. As he approaches, I am enveloped in his scent, and I feel heat pooling between my thighs.

Fuck.

What cologne does he wear?

It should be illegal.

“I didn’t think I’d be seeing you again ‘til next week,” he says.

“We just got back from dinner with friends.”

“Same here,” he says, signaling the leash in his hand. “I’m not allowed to go anywhere without him.”

“Hi, handsome,” I say directly to Cliff.

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