Nora Not talking to Alex has been driving me crazy, but I know he needs space. I didn't deserve to be lashed out at, no matter how annoyed he was, but I have to push all that aside and concentrate on my work. I want to prove to myself that I can complete this project, it is the biggest project I’ve worked on since starting with this firm and I want to be made partner. “Working hard?” “You’re early, Mr. Andrews.” “I had another meeting in the area, and it made sense to stop by when it was finished. Is now a bad time?” “Not at all. Take a seat.” “No need to be formal, Nora. Please call me Gavin.” He smirked at me knowing that is what I said the last time we met. “Ok, please have a seat, Gavin, while I gather the mock-ups.” I watched Gavin out of the corner of my eye as he walked around my office looking at things before settling down on a chair in front of my desk. “So, what do you have for me?” “There are a few things I have to show you. I created more of the myst
Ace I’ve waited two weeks for today and I’m still nervous, I want tonight to be perfect for Nora, I can’t mess this up. We agreed to meet at a local bar and to take it from there if everything goes well. I’m being optimistic so I made dinner reservations at a nice Italian restaurant. “Are you ready for tonight?” My sister asked. Lily has been supportive throughout all this. She was even supportive when I told her about the club when I first started going. She’s always been supportive of me, as long as what I’m doing makes me happy. “I’m nervous. What if she decides this was a mistake?” “She won’t. She’ll love you without the mask. You’re good-looking, smart, and a great brother, be yourself and things will work out, and give her this.” My sister removed her hand from behind her back and revealed three yellow roses. “I thought red was too much and I think she’ll like these.” “Thanks. You don’t think this is a stupid idea?” “No. Chasing after love is never stupid. You
Nora “The date isn’t over yet, and you’re already asking for a second date. I don’t think you’ve wooed me enough to ask for a second date,” I joked. “Hmm, l will have to fix that. How about you come back to my place, and I can show you why I should get a second date?” “Is that where you’re going to fuck me?” “If you let me, you will not only be thoroughly fucked, but pampered. This night is about you and about getting to know me, so you feel comfortable.” “Well, instead of going back to your place, how about we get some ice cream?” “Are you not my dessert?” he joked.“If you play your cards right, I may be your breakfast.” I was never the flirty type until I met Ace, but I like it. It’s playful, and the banter is nice. When I tried to flirt with the guys I dated in the past, they would tell me to stop, that I sounded ridiculous. “I want to take you to my favorite ice cream shop to talk. The seating is outside, so it is harder to get distracted.” I used a more serio
Nora My goal wasn’t to sleep over, but it happened. We fell asleep on the couch because Ace delivered his promise. Now I had to do the walk of shame in the daylight. If I’m lucky enough, I can sneak out of here while he is still asleep. I slowly slipped out of Ace’s arms and started collecting my clothes, and I dressed as quietly as possible. Just as I was about to take one step out of the living room, Ace scared the shit out of me. “Are you going to ghost me?” “Why would I ghost you?” “You were trying to slip out without me realizing; usually, that means you want to leave before you have to see the person again.” “I wanted to slip out before you realized how messy I look in the mornings and before you smelled my morning breath.” “You look fine. I have an extra toothbrush in my bathroom, and I have some sweats you can borrow while I make us breakfast, and I’m not taking no for an answer.” “Fine. Can I use your shower?” “You can use whatever you want or need to. The b
Nora I was going to see Ace later today at the club, but first I needed to meet with Gavin to go over the marketing promo. He selected the ones that he wanted to go with, but we also needed to discuss how we were going to turn this into a televised marketing campaign. Billboards and posters will only get you so far. “It’s nice to see you again, Nora.” “It’s good to see you, too.” “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me on a Saturday again. It means a lot that you will accommodate my schedule.” “We promised you we would be available.” “Did you hear from the places where we wanted to put ads?” “I did. One company is allowing us to rent a billboard as you drive into the city, and the local strip club is allowing us to post posters for their clients.” “What about radio?” “We can run that whenever we want, we just have to pay per commercial, so I suggest running an ad on the radio every few hours and see how that goes.” “Wonderful, you really are taking all the hard wor
Nora “My sister is going to love you.” “How do you know?” “She has liked you from the beginning and all she knows about you is what I’ve told her.” “So, she knows about the club?” “Yes, but it’s not the lifestyle she wants, so she doesn’t go, and she doesn’t judge.” “Her name is Lily, right? I don’t want to call her by the wrong name.” “That is correct, and don’t be nervous.” Ace kissed me one last time before we got out of the car and made our way into his sister’s home. He said they usually eat out for Sunday brunch, but they decided a more personal setting would be a better way to meet. Lily was waiting for us at the door before we even approached it with a big smile on her face. “I have been waiting to meet you and I am so happy you agreed to have brunch with us.” Instead of shaking my hand, she pulled me in for a big hug. “It’s nice to meet you. Ace has told me a lot about you.” “Well, I’m even better in person. Come in and take a seat. The food will be se
Ace After dropping Nora off at home, I went to meet Gavin. This was our normal boy’s night schedule, but it was going to be far from normal. He crossed a line with Nora, and he needs to know it wasn’t ok, so I didn’t waste any time once I got to the bar. “What is your deal?” “What are you talking about and why are you being so defensive?”“I’m talking about Nora. You told her you were surprised that I was still with her. Now she thinks I’m going to get bored with her and leave.” “It’s the truth. I am surprised. You haven't had a serious relationship since high school.” “You know how I feel about her. I told you she was the one for me.” “I think you’re confused. You haven’t been in a long-term relationship in years.” “Bullshit. That has nothing to do with it. Are you jealous?” Gavin scoffed at my statement. “Jealous? Why would I be jealous?” “Because I’m happy and you’re not, because you let my sister go. I’m not stupid; I know you guys had a fling, and I know she is
Nora I don’t have many friends, I have Alex and then maybe a few people that I say are friends, but I never hang out with them, which is why I am looking forward to shopping and hanging out with Lily. “Do you have any particular place you want to go?” Lily asked. I had agreed to meet her at her house, so we could drive together, it would be easier that way. I always hated taking more than one car when carpooling was a choice. “I don’t. I honestly haven’t been shopping in a while.” “Great, I know exactly the place then.” Lily drove us to the expensive part of town, and I quickly realized I wouldn’t be able to afford this shopping trip, it would basically be window shopping for me. “I see that look on your face. I only brought you here because Ace gave me his bank card and told me to make sure you treated yourself.” “I can’t spend his money.” “Why not, he offered.” “I’m not comfortable with it. He may be my boyfriend, but I’m not going to use his money.” I don’t wa