Page 88 of It's Always Been You
My phone beeps twice in rapid succession, breaking my focus.
I sit up straight and wince at the ache in my neck and back. Glancing at the clock on my desk, I realize it’s already six forty-five, which means I’ve been sitting hunched over my desk for four straight hours proofreading these partnership documents.
My friends always make fun of me for proofreading in hard copy like this, but I swear I catch more typos with pen and paper than I ever would on a computer screen. And with asshole Brad breathing down my neck, every single thing for Randall Harvey needs to be pristine.
Standing from my chair, I stretch my arms up and roll my neck, trying to loosen the tight muscles. Making a mental note to book a massage at my favorite spa, I grab my phone. A glance at my screen shows me text notifications from both Gabe and Allie.
I open Gabe’s first and laugh right out loud.
Gabe
[image attached]
How much pink is too much pink?
The picture is of some kind of mood board his assistant must have sent him. It’s full of pictures of pink carpet and pink furniture and assorted other décor, including a massive, glittering chandelier. It’s completely extra and so perfectly me.
When I told Gabe last week that I wanted to turn his spare bedroom into a closet, I was mostly joking, but he was not. He wasted exactly no time at all, contacting his assistant that very night to hire a designer and get the whole thing rolling.
This man, I swear.
Me
There is no amount of pink that would be too much pink. This is literally me in a mood board and I’m obsessed with it.
Gabe
I’m obsessed with you.
Just for that, I’m bringing you home a treat.
Just bring yourself home, Rory baby. That’s enough for me.
Okay, but can we order midnight pancakes? I feel like Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is a big moment and respect should be paid. With snacks.
I love the way you think. We’re getting milkshakes too.
Yes, oh my god. You really are the perfect man.
I’m picking Allie up at the hospital at seven-thirty—her car wouldn’t start this morning so I told her I would get her on the way to dinner. We have a bunch to go over, but I should be back by eleven-ish.
Take your time and have fun with Allie. Text me when you’re on the way home and I’ll place the order. Drive safe. Love you.
Always. Love you too.
Smiling at the promise of a movie night and the best midnight snack ever, I open Allie’s messages.
Allie
Hiiii, I just got called down to a consult in the ER, so want to pick me up down there instead of at the front?
Me
Sure, works for me. Does seven-thirty still work? Totally fine if you need some extra time.
Yep, still works. This shouldn’t take long at all.
Okay, see you soon.
