Page 37 of Simply Irresistible
“Can we just get pizza? I swear those fashion people only eat salads. I need some pizza in my life.”
“Pizza, it is.” I knew I said she wasn’t picking the food, but no self-respecting New Yorker turned down pizza. Using the delivery app, I placed my order and returned to bed, sitting up against the headboard. She cuddled against me, her head in my lap, and I stroked my hand down her back.
It sucked being without her...missing her...being with her again felt right.
“I have some news,” Melanie said, and I looked down at her dark, messy hair. She wasn’t looking at me. I internally sighed, hoping this wasn’t bad news.
“What’s up?” I asked, attempting to sound nonchalant. I don’t think it worked because I felt her stiffen against me ever so slightly.
“Brianna invited me to go to Paris at the end of the month.”
And there it was...the other shoe that always dropped. Was this how it would always be? This was the industry that Melanie wanted to be in. It would involve shit like this on the regular, right? Flying off to Paris, London, and Milan for the Fashion Weeks twice a year. Who knew where else she’d end up needing to go? L.A.? Everyone who was anyone ended up having to go to L.A. for something, and if I knew anything, it was that Melanie would end up being someone.
“You’re not saying anything,” she said, now peeking up at me through her hair.
I gave her my best fake smile. “It’s probably a great opportunity for you, right?”
“Yeah. Brianna told me I was an amazing assistant, and she was really impressed with my work.”
“That’s great, Spice.” I said, my tone sounding dull even to my own ears.
“Is it though? Because you seem...I don’t know.”
I thought about what to say, then I thought about my conversation with Hannah. I should be happy for Melanie because she’s on her way to making her dreams come true. I should be focused on her, because that’s what significant others do...they support the people they loved.
Wait, did I love Melanie?
I thought so. At least, it sure felt like I did. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I wanted to be with her all the time, or at least talk to her. She was an amazing woman and she had a cool family. I was happy with her. I think maybe I did love her.
And suddenly...I wanted to tell her just that.
I smiled down at her, looking deep into her dark green eyes. “I’m fine, baby. I just love you.”
Her eyes widened, then filled with tears as she smiled up at me. “I love you, too.”
I moved down the bed to kiss her, and the moment our lips connected, nothing had ever felt so right.
***
“Mmm,” Melanie hummed as she devoured her fourth slice of plain cheese pizza. I was glad I’d ordered two pies; my girl had an appetite. “This is sooo good.”
“I’ll tell you what else issooogood,” I said, wiggling my eyebrows.
Melanie shook her head. “Nope, a fresh and hot cheese pizza is better than sex, too.”
I raised an eyebrow, gaping at her in disbelief. I loved pizza...but I wasn’t sure anything was better than sex. She looked so damn content though, shoveling the mixture of dough, sauce, and cheese in her mouth. I’d let this one go; the girl obviously needed her pizza.
“How has it been at work since he-who-shall-not-be-named hasn’t been there?”
“Quiet. Think you’re going to tell Brianna about your designs since you two have been spending so much time together?”
“I don’t know. I almost did, but before I could get the words out, she asked me to go to Paris.”
“Really?” I was so proud of her for trying.
“Yeah. I just don’t want her to be disappointed that I don’t want to be her assistant forever though, you know?”
I laughed. “I don’t think she expects you to be her assistant forever. You said it yourself, she’s impressed with your work. She probably knows you have bigger and better things in your future than just being her assistant.”
