Page 109 of Crazy In Love
We’d have an early dinner, as no one wanted to be out late in a snowstorm, and everyone was busy, with Christmas being around the corner.
I suffered through all the birthday wishes, and, lucky for me, I wasn’t a cheerful dude by nature, which meant most people couldn’t tell when I was moodier than usual.
I checked my phone to see if Emilia had checked in. I knew she was heading to my house later than usual today, as she’d had a busy day at the flower shop. She had a key to get in the house for the days I was in the city, which was most days.
But I was anxious that I hadn’t heard from her.
The truth was, I missed a woman who wasn’t mine.
A woman who was at my house daily, but she wasn’t in my bed.
Her lips weren’t on mine.
And I missed it. Missed her. Missed her body. Her laughter. Her smile.
I was losing my fucking mind.
Maybe it was the grief speaking for me. I needed to shake it off.
And then I stared down at my phone screen.
Angel
Happy birthday, lover boy. I hope you have a good one. And even if you don’t want to celebrate today, just know that you are loved, Bridger Chadwick. And if you want to be sad today, you can be sad. You don’t have to hide it. XX
That was fucking deep, angel.
Angel
How is the big day going?
It’s torture.
Angel
That sounds promising.
Angel
I’m here at your house, and the guys are still painting. But I got you a little something for your special day and I’ll leave it on the counter for you. I’m guessing you’ll be at your birthday dinner late, but I’ll lock up when I leave.
“I’ve never seen you so enthralled in your phone before. Who are you texting?” Lulu asked, startling me when she came out of nowhere.
I tucked my phone in my back pocket.
“Did anyone ever tell you it’s annoying to sneak up on people?” I asked.
“Yes. But I’ve always beat to my own drum, so I don’t really care for other people’s advice.”
I chuckled. “I get that.”
“So who were you texting? You had a smile on your face, which caught me off guard.” She chuckled.
“It was a work thing.”
She nodded. “I haven’t gotten to talk to you about Paris. You guys had a great time, huh?”
“Yeah. I mean, I worked a bunch. But it was good.” I rubbed a hand over the back of my neck.
