Page 8 of Keep My Secrets
“Ready?” is the only word she utters, even though I can see the gears turning behind her eyes.
“Yup, let’s go.”
Eight hours later,over half a million spent, I now have an entire closet full of office-appropriate clothing, four new pairs of red-bottomed heels, a new MacBook, iPad, Apple Watch, a snake skin Birkin bag, and several things I bought with the intent of getting a reaction from Theo. But even when I sent him the receipt for Prada paperclips, he just said something about needing good-quality office supplies.
On our way to the restaurant Mia had gotten us reservations for, I sent a selfie with a location update and decided to tally up how much we spent today.
$648,732.
I’m looking down at the calculator on my phone when Theo’s name takes over the screen.
“Hi,” I say nervously.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
“Uhmm. I wish you had given me a limit.”
“Why?” His voice is somehow both concerned and amused. I understand the concern. I just spent more than most people make in a decade in eight hours. I know he told me to find the limit, and he would have stopped me if I was going too far, butwhat if he was busy and wasn’t seeing the updates, and now I’ve crossed the line?
“We spent $648,700 today.” I brace myself for him to get upset.
“$650,000? That’s it?”That’s it. That’s it?What does he mean, that's it?That’s life-changing money, and he is acting like it’s spare change. I look at Mia, who is definitely enjoying watching this conversation. She would have told me if I was spending too much, wouldn’t she? Or was she hoping I’d spend way too much and Theo would get mad and end things? No, she wouldn’t. She has been nothing but friendly and supportive all day; she knows more about Theo’s finances than I do. She would have stepped in if I were putting her boss in a bad spot financially; her job depends on it.
“So that’s ok?”
“Do you like the things you got?”
“Yes.”
“Then yes, you’re absolutely fine. Go spend more if you want. Have fun. Do not worry about the finances, baby, that’s my job.” My body relaxes into the seat. Moments after hanging up, the car stops in front of the restaurant, and Mia looks over to me.
“How you got one of the most emotionally unavailable, yet seriously powerful men in the city to become obsessed in less than a week needs to be studied. Over dinner, you need to tell me your secrets. Working for Mr. Reeves is great and all, but I’d love for a man to hand me his Amex and sayGo wild. Girl, you are living my dream.” We laugh as we exit the car.
Over dinner, I find out that Mia is twenty-six and has a degree in business from Acadia. We bonded over college anecdotes, and it was fun getting to reminisce even though we weren’t there at the same time. She has a pet cat named Daphne and has a small circle of friends in the city. Apparently, evenbeing one degree away from power is close enough for people to try and abuse your position. Noted.
I look down at my phone and note that it’s 7:30. If I want to make it home in time for Theo’s check-in, we need to be leaving soon.
“Let’s get the check and then I need to head home.” Mia checks her phone, noting the time.
“Sounds good, let’s not get you in any trouble.” She smiles.Does she know?It doesn’t matter either way; all that matters is that I’ve made a friend, and I don’t want to piss off Theo on night one.
Chapter
Five
Aria
Enzo has a few of the concierge staff help me carry all my bags upstairs. It’s a type of surreal watching bags with luxury brands plastered on the side parade through my front door. Not to mention I’m gripping my new Birken like my life depends on it. Enzo had offered to bring it up for me, but when my new bag costs more than a house, I am not trusting anyone with it. I may need to sell it in a couple of months; it needs to stay pristine.
Finally, everyone leaves and I’m left alone, surrounded by boxes of clothes and shoes and paper clips. I was told to make myself at home, so I’d better find a place to put all my stuff.
Walking into Theo's bedroom, I can see that he has space in his closet for all my new things, but a knot forms in my stomach at the thought of putting my stuff with his. It feels too much, too fast. He has said this is my home, too, but he is protective of his space. Taking over part of his closet seems like I'm taking things too far.
I close the door and walk into one of the guest rooms. There is minimal decor, a large bed with a metal bedframe, a dresser, and a nightstand. I can make this my room. I can definitely addsome things that make it feel more me, like a rug and a lamp. I can get some art for the walls and maybe a new duvet cover.
Done. This is my new room. When Theo comes home, if he wants me to sleep in his room, I can do that, but this room will be my space.
I start bringing all the bags into the room and lining them up on the floor, and throwing some on the bed.
