Page 158 of Forever Then

Gretchen

Does it say square footage?

Me

No.

Gretchen

That’s because it IS a walk-in closet.

Me

Are you sure?

Gretchen

Welcome to New York living.

Me

Do tell, oh wise one, how you plan to work in New York and not live there.

Gretchen

Jersey baby! It’s where all the youths are living.

Don’t worry. I’ll get you grandfathered in, old man.

Wednesday morning,Gretchen gets word that she’s been invited back for the second round of interviews on Thursday and we make plans to meet in New York on Friday afternoon.

One, because I’m a lost puppy without her and I’m not ashamed to admit I miss the hell out of her.

Two, so I can accompany her on Friday and Saturday on hertour-des-apartmentsbefore we both fly back to Chicago late Sunday afternoon.

By the time we tuck ourselves into bed over FaceTime, I’vebooked my flight and we have a list of scheduled apartment viewings lined up.

“I think I need to see at least one of these shoebox apartments in New York for myself.” I arch a brow and she giggles.

Gretchen’s head rests on her hotel pillow, one hand tucked underneath. “I’ll add one to the schedule, if you insist. Don’t forget your magnifying glass.”

Thursday arrivesand I’m buried in work all day. I arrive an hour early, stay through lunch and leave an hour and a half after everyone else to try and make up for the fact that I’ll be out of the office again tomorrow.

Gretchen called as I was leaving the conference room and it was the brightest part of my day. She said the interview went really well and it’s the first genuine excitement I’ve heard from her through the interview process, as though she’s finally recognized what I’ve known all along. This job will be hers.

It’s well after seven when I get home. With Gretchen out to dinner with Monica and out of touch for a while, I use the time to pack my carry-on before thinking about what to order for dinner.

As I dig through my drawer of take-out menus, there’s a knock on my door. I’m not expecting anyone, but I move to answer it without much thought.

I swing the door open and blink twice, body frozen in place.

Drew.

Tense arms braced over his chest, he stands in my hallway, every muscle taut as though merely knocking was a battle. He pins me with a suspicious glare before he slides his hands into his pockets. “One drink.”

Chapter Fifty-One

I’M SORRY

---