Page 7 of Lavish Love: A Second Chance Romance

“Have you changed?” She counters.

“Hummmm…" I sit back, propping my feet up. The view of New York City from my desk is why I bought the building. The cars crawl through evening traffic, and a flickering Christmas tree in an office across the way captures my attention.

"Do you still talk with your mother several times a day? Eat two eggs, dry toast, with fresh strawberries every morning but Sunday. Run five miles, Monday through Friday." She rattles off a list as if she's peering at my life in a crystal ball. The more she talks, the more my chest tightens.

“Am I that predictable?” I type a quick message to Susan. Reschedule all appointments over the weekend and arrange a flight to Austin tonight.

“It’s why you’re so successful. Speaking of success, congratulations. You always said you wanted to live an unforgettable life. It seems you’re living your dream.”

"Success is a double-edged sword, and dreams are fleeting." I watch the snow falling. The ceiling to floor windows makes me feel less alone when my days and nights are long. I watch the sunrise and set. I marvel as the seasons change in vivid colors unique to New York.

I never complain. Because no matter how many days and nights I sit behind my computer relentless in my pursuit of expanding my business, it’s better than the life of poverty I left behind in Santo Domingo. However, on the heels of my talk with my mother, and now Alexandria, I wonder if life is passing me by.

“Billionaire problems?”

"Aye, what about you? I saw Harper, and she told me about your business. You didn't join your family's company?"

“I did for a while after graduating. Then we started Platinum Prestige.”

“Still clawing for your independence, querida?”

"No, I…I couldn't turn down the offer to work with my best friends. We'll celebrate our tenth anniversary time next year. Which is part of the reason for my call. I'd like to pick your brain about the advantages and disadvantages of entering the global market."

“You waited fifteen years to pick my brain?”

“Yes…no…well, maybe.” She sighs. “You called, and I read the article in the magazine. It makes sense to consult with an authority before embarking on this type of business shift."

“Are you asking as a personal friend or a prospective client?”

“Both and neither. I’m asking between Alexandria and Mateo. Fill in the blanks.”

Fill in the blanks. I can fill in the blanks with all types of ideas. Several I’m sure she’d object to over the phone.

The slight squeak of the door pulls my eyes in that direction. Susan enters with a yellow note. She drops it on my desk and slips out. The airplane is prepped for my departure. I lower my feet to the floor.

“Let’s table the discussion until brunch. Tell me when and where.”

“It’s Saturday. I usually work from home. We can have brunch at my place if you still prefer home-cooked meals or there’s Torsion. And Mateo, this is in the professional capacity.”

She’s offering to cook for me in the professional capacity. I keep the thought to myself. "Right… Professional brunch at your place. You'll cook, and I'll bring the beverages." We talk for a few minutes while I shut down my computer. We exchange cellphone numbers, and I promise to text her when I land. Once I drop my wallet in my pocket, I ask, "Do you require anything else mi querida?”

“No, just you.”

My eyes blur with desire, and the familiar heat of anticipation burns through me. Those three words are etched in every passionate memory with her.

“I didn’t mean to…you asked and… Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.”

"Is this more of your boundaries talk, Alexandria?" The woman I remember was passionate in bed and out. I wonder if she still lurks behind these boundaries.

"No, I don't want to give you the wrong impression, and I'm seeing someone."

“Seeing someone?” I lower back into my chair. “What’s his name? How long have you been seeing him?”

“Huh…”

“Would he approve of you cooking and sharing a private meal with another man? Someone you lived with. Someone you once loved.”

“I…he…we—”

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