Page 19 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
“Thank you. I accept your apology.” Hailey nods and smiles at Bruce.
He gives a small smile back, and I’m in shock. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen the man make a facial expression, and I’ve known him for over ten years.
“Let’s get started, shall we?” Ted asks, sitting in one of the chairs near my desk.
“Now, I brought three copies. One for each of you to read over, and then the one you both will sign. I can give you a copy of the signed one also, if you like, Hailey. I thought it would be easier than me reading everything off to the two of you.”
I nod, and he hands Hailey and me both a copy of the contract, as well as the NDA.
I read over it, making sure Hailey’s ridiculous ‘no sex’ clause was added. I’m interrupted by Hailey muttering ‘what’ under her breath.
“Don’t you think ten grand a month is a bit much?” she asks, whipping her head in my direction.
“Not at all,” I respond, “When you think about your bills, rent, and general living expenses, you’ll do only a little better than breaking even. In fact, do you think you’ll need more?”
I look at Ted and prepare to tell him to make new contracts when Hailey speaks up.
“No, no, that’s fine. That amount is extremely generous. Thank you, Landon.”
I eye her skeptically, but her expression doesn’t change. We both resume reading.
“Wait, what’s this about you handling all my travel expenses?” she says suddenly.
This is going to be a long process if we have to stop every minute.
“I don’t want the press finding out about you having to travel by bus or taking a taxi. It’s not a good impression for either of us,” I respond.
At first, she looks as if she’s going to snap at me, and then she thinks better of it.
We get through the rest of the contract without a hitch. After signing both the contract and the NDA, Ted makes copies of both and hands them to Hailey in a folder. Bruce and Ted say their goodbyes and leave.
“So, which bus line would take me closest to my building from here? The 305 doesn’t run by here,” she says, and I’m in shock.
“Were you present for any of that conversation?” I ask.
“Um, yeah, why?” she says.
I know she isn’t dumb, so I’ll just chalk this up to her being hungover.
“No more public transportation. I’m dropping you off,” I say, grabbing my keys off the desk.
We make our way down to the parking garage in silence. I open the door for her first, then go around the vehicle to get in the driver's seat.
On the way back, she puts her head against the window again. Even though the smudges drive me crazy, she is hungover, so I’ll let it slide. I’ll just have someone scrub the window when I get home.
I pull up outside of her apartment building fifteen minutes later. She’s conked out in the passenger seat.
“Hey,” I say quietly, and shake her shoulder.
Her eyes pop open in surprise.
“Hmm?” she murmurs.
“We’re here.” She rubs the sleep from her eyes and looks around.
“Right. Thanks.” She opens the door and stands up, wobbling slightly.
“Let me help you.” I unbuckle my seatbelt and get out of the car.
