Page 99 of Elevator Pitch

Shit, I’ve beenmarriedand it didn’t feel this way.

44

make a u-turn

Greyson

Manhattan, NY | January 20, 2024

Bacon sizzles on the stove,and I avoid the grease popping when I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. It’s a Sunday morning, and I assume it’s my mom, but when Aileen’s name flashes across the screen, I wince. I’m aware that I don’t have to answer, and this isn’t a good time for her to be calling. I’d also hate for her to call again when Selah wakes up, so I’ll see what’s going on with her now.

“Good morning,” I say with a stiff smile.

“Morning, Greyson! It’s so good to hear your voice. You haven’t reached out in a while, and you had me a bit worried. I wanted to catch up.”

I just had the best night in years, and there’s an incredible woman in my bed I’d love to get back to.

I don’t want to deal with this right now.

Let’s keep it short and sweet.

“I’m doing good. I’ve just been tied up with work. That’s all. No need to worry about me.”

“Ugh. Everything with the wedding has been sohectic, but it’s coming together. Planning it without Daniel here has taken a toll. You know he’s often in London running the Kline distillery. It sucks, but we’ll make it work.”

“Do you have plans to move to the UK? Or him to the US?”

Keep it short and sweet, remember?

Asking questions is not short and sweet.

“Why would I do that?”

Nope.

Let me make a U-turn.

This is none of my business.

“Forget I asked.”

Short, but not sweet.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say flatly.

“Oh,” she exclaims as if she just remembered something. “Have you been dating since the engagement party? Given it any thought? It’d be so nice to see you with someone.”

I’m grumbling under my breath as I think of a safe way out of this conversation.

“Come to think of it, I met a sweet woman at the bake shop that I could set you up with. She is single. If you’re interested, of course.”

Absolutely not.

Annoyance bubbles at the surface.

I don’t understand why she cares so much about this.

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