Page 35 of Up All Night
She changes the subject.“Tell me about a past lover of yours."
I sit back in my chair, releasing her hand, and I take a sip of water first before speaking.“It’s another easy guess.She cheated on me.It was a long time ago.It doesn’t matter now."
"And you haven't been in a relationship since?"
I shake my head no."No, but to be fair, that's partially because this happened before I started building my business.It was in college.Senior year.The smile in my grad photos is pasted on, but then someone told me that the best way to get even is to upstage them."I speak through a chuckle."I also learned that my mom said that because she wanted me to get married."
She grins."Cute."
Her smile lights up the room.It's fucking ridiculous how much I can't keep my eyes off her.There's just something about her.I can't even put my finger on it.It's like, all my life, I've been just me, just me and my future, me and my business, but now that I've met her, I feel like there's always been something more to it than that, and until now, I never knew it existed.I want to share all this with someone.Not my money, not my business, my life.Me.All of me.I never knew what that felt like until Lark walked into Lucy's office not long ago.It's crazy.It's so fucking crazy I don't even know how to explain it, except in this garbled manner.And it doesn't even matter in what capacity we're together.As long as it's her face I look into, I'm happy.I draw in a deep breath and release it, and I feel like it's time to shake this seriousness off the night."So, who can I go beat up?I want a name."
"His name is Steve."She lifts a finger."But that's all you're getting.I know your type too well.You're liable to really go after him."
"Nah.Fate usually bites those types in the ass.They end up burying themselves or dying of gonorrhea or something."
She snorts a laugh.There she is again.I love it that she's back."Well, he's doing just fine.He's the owner of the realty company I used to work for, if that helps paint the picture a little better for you."
"Ah, yes, now it's starting to make sense."
"So, now you understand why Lucy can't know about us."
"It is becoming clearer."
"And who is this girl that I'd like to beat up?I mean, who in their right mind would cheat on you?"
I grin."It doesn't matter anymore.It was so long ago I never think about it."
Her face goes slightly serious again."But it did affect you, right?Was it serious?"
"We were kids, but yeah, it affected me."
"Have you had a serious relationship since?"
"No, but that's also because, like I said, I've been building my business.I don't blame that on her or my past."
She looks off to the side.A million miles away."Okay, now I really want to beat the snot out of this Steve dude."
Her lopsided smile tells me that she's half convinced to let me."It wouldn't make any difference.Plus, he would ruin your reputation, just like he did mine.If it weren't for Lucy, I would never have been hired where I am."
"So, my mother was right then."
She smirks with her smile."How's that?"
"The best way to move on is to upstage them."
"I wouldn't say that I've upstaged him.He's been in the business a hell of a lot longer than I have, and I'm sure his net worth is way more."
"The point is that you're doing much better without him."
She sits on that for a moment."I guess you're right."
This date is starting to feel like fucking therapy, but I like it that she's smiling again, and that happy ring in her voice has returned.We've ordered a light dinner, since it's so late, so the meal is finished quickly."Not that I'm trying to get you to come upstairs to my room, but are you interested in seeing it?Since I am in the business, they give me the best room in the house."I try to sound casual.I really don't want her to think that's all I want her for, because it couldn't be farther from the truth.
I love it that there's no hesitation in her voice."I'd love to."
Our hands end up locked together as we walk to the elevator.When I press the button for the penthouse, she lifts a brow."I told you they only give me the best.Especially since they know that I'm building a hotel here.They're hoping to partner with me, and it shows."
"I've heard about the program you have in South Carolina.Are you bringing it here, too?"
