Page 80 of Elevator Pitch

I miss you too! I’m ready to be back and I’m off the rest of the week.

Audrey

Even better! I love you!

Goodnight! I’ll pick you up tomorrow!

Me

I love you too. Goodnight!

35

collateral

Selah

Manhattan, NY | January 11, 2024

Audrey and Ericpick me up from the airport and I’m anxious the entire ride back because of this ‘surprise’ that’s waiting for me. I practically jump out of the SUV when we park. They catch up to me as I’m stuck waiting for the elevator. I’m holding my breath as I survey my apartment. When I reach my office door, I brace myself as I turn the knob. I’m very meticulous about my things. Everything has a home and a reason it exists where it does. I beeline for my desk to scan it thoroughly, and once I discover it’s been untouched, I sigh in relief. Audrey leans against the doorframe as if she’s waiting for me to finish up here.

“I’m offended that you think I’d let anyone touch your desk. Now that you’re done, are you going to look around this damn room and notice what’s different?”

I look to my left and begin surveying the room, my eyes bouncing high and low in search of anything new, when my eyes land on a series of tall bookshelves on my far right, filled with my books that were previously stacked in piles on the floor in that exact spot. Organized alphabetically by author in order by series—that was Audrey’s doing. I sigh in disbelief at the chair,side table and reading lamp beside it. It’s the perfect addition to my office.

The little reading nook I’ve put off setting up stares back at me and my heart swells with joy. I am itching to curl up with Peach, a blanket and a book to get lost in. That will be the perfect way to wind down for the night. Traveling drains me and I don’t do it often. While I read on the trip and the plane, it’s not the same as the comfort of your own home. I blink back the burning tears that are eager to escape from the thoughtfulness of my best friend and my neighbor who pulled this off for me in my absence because I would’ve fought them on it the entire way if I were here.

I wince at the fact that Greyson did this and has now seen exactly what I read. He’s gotten a glimpse and has read a few recommendations, but noteverything. Not that I am ashamed, but damn. I feel like he knows my darkest secrets, but something tells me he has his own.

My friends have offered to help with this project since I moved in, I kept telling them I’d get around to doing it eventually, but I kept forgetting honestly and while I kept buying books, I got used to stacking them and going about my day. I love my e-reader and use it daily, but it didn’t prevent me from buying more physical books. Hence the overflowing collection that was desperately in need of order. I turn around and Audrey is smiling.

“That’s not all, babe.”

“You’re kidding.”

She shakes her head. “Follow me”

We walk into my bedroom and a large full-length mirror I bought when I got my place is now mounted and placed exactly where I imagined it to be.

“He was a little frustrated about this mirror not being unboxed. Said that you should be able to see how incredible you look every day.”

I roll my eyes, but it doesn’t hide my smile because Audrey gives me a knowing look.

“I’m annoyed with you for having that man all in my house acting like a husband or something.”

The look she gives is incredulous and she snorts. “Girl, please. He was just here last week, pleasing you like a husband or something. Bossing men around is my favorite thing on Earth, and this was for a good cause. I think the words you’re looking for are ‘thank’ and ‘you.’ I’ll wait.”

She stands with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes closed, and face turned up while she waits for a response. I chuckle at her because, as usual, she’s right. “Thank you. I really do appreciate this.”

“You’re welcome, honey. She opens her arms and wraps me in a hug. You wouldn’t let us help, so I thought I’d get creative while still doing it behind your back. Now you got something to talk to him about.”

When she releases me, she reminds me, “Don’t forget to thank Greyson, he’s expecting to hear from you. I had to talk him out of going to the airport to pick you up.”

“Oh God. He was serious.” I cover my face with my hand.

“He was, but I told him I had you and I’d have you check in once you got home safe. Can you at least do that? Or he might show up at your door again with food.”

“That wouldn’t be the worst thing, but I will thank him. I promise.”

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