Page 32 of Always You
“You would tell me, right, if there was something wrong?”
“Yes, of course. I don’t regret it. It was great.”
He captures my lips. “Good, pretty girl, it will be better next time. I’ll have you on my bed.”
Brian is truly beautiful.
“See you tonight, Birthday girl.”
I wave as I get into my car. “See ya later.”
* * *
My days have comprised interviewing multiple applicants for the front desk position these last couple of days. We finally came to terms and hired Daliah. She’s a college student getting into photography, so she fits in perfectly. A soft smile flickers on my lips when Daliah walks in with her short purple hair, slender tall body, pierced nose, and eyebrows. She’s sporting a short black skirt, Tom Petty t-shirt with compact boots.
“Mila, good morning. How’s my favorite boss doing?”
I shake my head laughing.
Sophie yells from the back, “Hey, you said I was your favorite.”
A shrug rolls off her shoulder. “Did I?” A lopsided smirk pinches at her pale cheeks.
She fits in, and we warmed up to her. We hired her just at the right time because Dante came down with strep throat. Once Dante recovered, Brian dropped in, offering to take us out for ice cream. His words were like honey and his smile like sunshine. And, he’s great with Dante.
“Yo, Mila, delivery guy dropped these off for you,” Daliah yells from the front as she strolls into my office, Sophie trailing behind. Dahiah’s holding a beautiful bouquet of red roses.
“Damn, are they from Brian?” Sophie squeals with excitement.
I read the note attached to it:Happy Birthday, Angel, with love, Dominic. Conflicting emotions swirl in my head.
“Dominic,” I whisper softly. He remembered my birthday. I turned twenty-four today.
Sophie lets out a gasp. “Is guilt consuming the asshole? I bet Ms. Prissy would have a fit if she knew her fiancé is sending you roses.”
I bite my bottom lip. Why in the hell is he sending me flowers?Oh, of course, it’s out of guilt.Why else? It’s been three weeks since I last spoke to him in the studio’s parking lot. The way he looked at me as if I was the star in his universe. It’s too late for us. He made his bed now he has to lie in it. The audacity of him sleeping around and now being engaged all this time sends a bullet straight to my heart.
“Who’s Dominic?” Daliah asks, a puzzled look on her face.
Sophie fills her in on all the drama I’ve had going on. How did my life get so complicated in the last three months?
* * *
Sophie has planned a get-together for my birthday. I groan when the cranberry vodka coats the back of my throat.
“Happy Birthday, pretty girl.” Brian leans into my side, embracing me as he places a soft kiss on my lips.
“Thank you. Can I get you a drink?” I ask remembering this morning… Brian’s toned body, thick thighs, and huge calf muscles.
“Sure, I’ll have a beer.”
Seizing a beer from the fridge, Brian’s eyes stay fixed on me, burning a penetrating stare. It could be the alcohol or the after-effects of this morning's sex causing the tingling sensation between my thighs. Daliah and Ryder emerge shortly. Obviously, not simultaneously, but separately. My birthday has always been something I’ve tried to avoid. The memory of my father always comes to mind. He would make me a chocolate cake every year. I miss my dad dearly.
“Happy Birthday, Mommy,” Dante squeals as he hands me a card.
Aww, cute stick figures and squiggles.
“Thank you, sweetheart, this is the best gift ever!” I lean down and give Dante a big fat kiss on the cheek.
