Page 102 of That First Night
“I-I,” I stutter, playing with the loose strands of hair hanging around my ear. “Just had a run in with an ex of Thomas’.”
I watch as Marc pinches his eyebrows together with a questioning look, “Tommy doesn’t have an ex. He’s never been in a relationship.”
“He never dated James’ mom?”
Realization hits him as he figures out what I am saying. The color drains from his face as he quickly pulls out his phone and starts typing away on it before looking back at me. “They never dated. Tommy wanted to make it work with her and try a relationship for James’ sake. But there was never anything there.”
“Oh,” is all I manage to get out.
“Trust me, Pey.” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “You're end game for him.”
I give a tight nod as I feel tears prickle behind my eyes again. I blink rapidly to make sure they don’t fall. Thomas loves me. I know he does, despite him not telling me, I know that he loves me.
“I’m going to freshen up in the bathroom,” I announce. “Marc, please don’t tell Thomas. I will find him after and tell him.”
He gives me a tight nod. Avery gives me a look. You know, thebestie look,where she doesn’t have to say the words for me to know that she’s asking if I’m okay. “I’m good, Ave. Go,” I tell her as she nods her head and takes off with Marc.
After doing my business, I step out and stand in front of the mirror. My hands rest on the sink as I stare at myself in the mirror. I’m giving myself a mental pep talk before I head back out there. Will he be mad at me for standing up to her? Will he be mad at me for saying the things I said?
I know I don’t believe a word of what she told me. The Thomas that I know, he knows how to love. Despite him not telling me those three little words yet, I know he does. It’s in everything he does for me.The little things.
I know I am, without a doubt, in love with this man. I am in love with Thomas Ford, and I have to tell him.Tonight.
As I exit the bathroom, I feel the vibration of my phone again. I groan in frustration and pull it out to see an unknown number calling again. “These telemarketers are ruthless,” I mutter to myself as I swipe right to answer the call.
“Hello,” I say in frustration.
“Ms. Kelly?” The woman on the other end replies.
“This is she.”
I don’t think I register anything other than her name and where she’s calling from before everything goes black. My head started spinning, my lungs stopped taking in air and my pulse pounded harder with every second that passed. A silent scream erupted from my chest before I ran as fast as I could, grabbed Avery and we were out of the Edison Ballroom in minutes.
My world will never be the same again.
Normally, I would eat this shit up at these events. The free food and whiskey would have me buzzing with excitement. However, tonight, all I want is to be doing it with Peyton. She’s here with me, but she’s not here with me. I have spent the last hour mingling with business associates and discussing future investment properties.
I donate a lot of money to these events, especially since becoming a dad. I can’t imagine a little boy the same age as James, waking up Christmas morning without presents under his tree. It makes my stomach churn, and it makes me want to give more than I already have. Ford Investments donated one million dollars tonight and I still feel like it’s not enough.
“How’s little James doing?” Bob asks. I sold Bob a property last year that I invested in and fixed up. He bought it for triple what I paid for it. He holds a lot of power in this city. He’s one of the richest men in this room. While my name is tied to most of the city high rises with my investments, he owns double that.
“He’s doing good.” I nod. “Getting big already. He’s three going on thirteen.”
Bob laughs. “Time sure does fly.”
“That it does.” I smile and nod back to him.
He continues talking, but I don’t register what he’s saying because my eyes are scanning the room looking for a glimpse of her golden blonde hair. I don’t see her at the bar where she was sitting before and I feel a twitch in my chest, wondering where she is.
She must have gone to the ladies room.
Logan interrupts my thoughts when he places a hand on my shoulder. “Hey, Tommy,” he says before turning to Bob. “Hi, Bob. How are you doing?”
“I’m good, Logan.” He nods. “How’s New York City's finest doing? Are they treating you right there, boy?”
“Yes, sir.” Logan replies. “I’m up for a promotion soon. Trying to get off the streets.”
“That a boy.” Bob grips his shoulder the way a dad would. “Your dad would be very proud of you, son.”
