Page 50 of Make You Love Me

“As the Richmond heir, I will do my best to ensure Papa’s legacy continues on,” is the only response I'm able to get out without causing a scene. Ethel certainly knows how to get under my skin.

A throat clears from beside us, causing us both to turn our attention. I peer up at a smiling Ford looking like the Pretty Boy he is in his uniform. I now understand why he works here. He has all the women young and old fawning over him. He must make a killing in tips.

“Hey Lottie.” He smiles at me.

“Hey Ford,” I say back.

He then turns his attention to Ethel, “Um, Ms. Richmond, the front desk is asking for you to swing by before you leave today.”

“Oh, do you know what for? I already spoke to Claudia regarding the menu for the Gala,” Ethel questions while finishing up her third mimosa.

“I'm not sure, to be honest,” he replies while refilling our glasses.

Ethel looks to me. “Well I need to use the ladies room, then I will speak to them. I will be back shortly.” As she stands, another waiter comes to the table to drop off a delicious-smelling basket of freshly baked pastries and croissants. My mouth instantly waters. Although brunch has been decent until moments ago, Ethel has a very strict diet she follows. Our meal consisted of fruit and yogurt, nothing more, and I'm fricken starving.

“Oh, that won't be necessary,” she says to the waiter as he places the basket on our table, ignoring her statement. With that she steps away, leaving Ford and the intoxicating basket still lingering at my table.

“Our pastry chefs are some of the best around, you should try it,” he says.

I look at him with a smile. “You know you can drop the Pretty Boy act with me.”

“Aw you think I'm pretty?” he croons, placing his hands over his heart.

“Cut the shit, you know you are,” I laugh at him.

He stands there with his stupidly handsome smile on his face as he rubs the back of his neck.

I nod my head in the direction Ethel just disappeared to. “What was that all about?”

“Beats me. I think it has to do with staffing or some shit,” he responds, shrugging his shoulders.

“Have fun at the bonfire the other night?” he asks.

“Ha, you could say that. Probably a little too much fun.” I laugh as I take a croissant from the basket. I can't help myself. It smells too damn good and although I’ve started to take care of myself more, I don’t restrict myself either.

Biting into the tasty treat, I close my eyes to savor the flavor. I can't help the moan that escapes when I taste the chocolate melted inside. This is so damn good.

A blush erupts across my cheeks when I realize Ford is still standing next to me, witnessing my mouth orgasm from the pastry.

“Fuuuck,” he softly groans. “Never knew eating could look so fucking hot,” he says as he stares at my mouth.

As if being hit by someone, he quickly changes his tone. “Shit! Ugh, don’t tell G any of this happened. Fuck, he’d kick my ass.” He runs his hands over his face as if questioning what to do. “I—uh, I gotta go. See you later Lottie.”

I laugh at his retreating form and finish my pastry and the last of my mimosa before Ethel returns to the table. My thoughts wander to Greyson as I mindlessly twirl my bracelet. The charm he gave me still hangs off of it as a reminder of what was. I hope like hell our conversation goes the way I want it to. We can put it all on the table and pray it helps us get back what we’ve lost. I have little time to dwell on my situation because I catch Ethel heading toward our table. I can tell by her tense body and clipped steps that something is wrong.

“Let’s go, James is waiting for us,” she says while aggressively gathering her things and tossing them into her bag.

“Is everything okay?” I ask as I stand and grab my clutch.

“Fine,” she answers in a clipped tone.

Following her through the lobby, I glance at the staff buzzing around, some stand in close huddles speaking in soft whispers. I can't help but feel like those whispers have something to do with Ethel.

We slide into the waiting car. James greets us with a warm smile on his face. I don’t know how this man works for her. He seems kind and trustworthy.

Definitely not someone I would expect to stay under Ethel's employment for long. He’s been working for her for as long as I can remember, at least since my mom passed away.

“Is everything all right, Ms. Richmond?” he questions, his eyes reflecting in the rearview mirror.

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