Page 8 of Elevator Pitch

I stifle a laugh.

“I suppose you’re right about that. Not that a man could be right about anything.”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t dream of being right,” he responds sarcastically with a smile. “Have a good night.”

“You too,Greyson.” I add extra emphasis on his name again.

He takes a step back and reduces his grip on the door.

“See you around, Selah. I hope to hear you calling meGreysometime soon.” He flashes a kilowatt smile before the elevator doors close.

My eyes widen as I stand there for a moment processing that encounter.

This man.

Greyson.

Once I’m inside my apartment, I sink to the floor, holding my knees. My cat, Peach, saunters up to me, rubbing her head against my legs and meowing loudly. I remove my shoes and lean up against the door while she snuggles up to me.

Home.

I text the group chat, telling them that I made it back safely. I fully intended to have a good cry once I returned, but I don’t feel the urge anymore. Greyson’s words replay in my head.

I’d like to know what captivates you.

I wanted to earn your gaze.

I hope to hear you calling me Grey sometime soon.

I wonder when I’ll run into Greyson again.

Maybe I won’t throw in the towel just yet.

4

brunch games

Selah

Brooklyn, NY | September 3, 2023

Weekly brunchalways serves as a much-needed reset to get through the upcoming week. The girls can’t wait for the juicy details about my recentSoulBlenddate—even if there were just strikes and no home runs. Since we all had dates this week, we’re participating in the “brunch games.” The rules are simple: talk about your bad date or hookup, the table votes for the worst date, and the winner eats for free. It’s become an interesting tradition among us. Fortunately, I’m not the only one dating. We all are, except Audrey. She successfully found a book boyfriend out in the wild, and she restored our faith. We’ve all been unlucky in our romantic endeavors but are still suckers for a good love story. So, it was only fitting that we named our book club “Hapless In Love.”

Our founder, Audrey, is a multitude of things. More than meets the eye describes her best. She’s the big sister, the eldest at thirty-four, and a chaotic Sagittarius. She’s more known for being a billionaire hotel heiress and successful event planner, doubling as a social butterfly. Far from a party animal but can throw one hell of a party. She’ll often throw an event, make sureeverything is running smoothly, and leave early to protect her peace.

In her twenties, Audrey got into a bit of trouble for not keeping her hands to herself. And by not keeping her hands to herself, I mean, she was breaking people’s bones in broad daylight.

Allegedly.

She gave absolutely no fucks, and ifyoustarted it, shefinishedit. Sometimes, in public with witnesses.

Allegedly.

The only reason I can talk about this now is because she got off multiple times. I should mention that her boyfriend, Roman, who also goes by ‘Rome,’ is a defense attorney and a damn good one. This behavior led to Rome convincing her family that she needed a bodyguard. That’s where Eric came in. While she’sverycapable of handling herself, it’s for the best.

Eric is quiet about his life before moving to New York, which I can relate to. He’s been Audrey’s bodyguard for the past four years, and they’re inseparable. I do wonder if he ever gets lonely, though. I know he takes his job seriously, but I hope one day he gets his own happily ever after too. Reading romance is amazing, but eventually, you start to wonder if your main character moment will ever come along. I can’t be the only one who feels that way.

Neither of them will say it, but they’re like siblings. Not that she needs any more brothers; Avery and August keep her busy. She also has an older brother she refuses to talk about. We know that he lives in Chicago, they don’t get along, and he ownsBlood Orange, our favorite brunch spot.

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