Page 36 of Boss Abroad
“Shut up,” I laugh. “And I’m not broke anymore. My first paycheck just hit my savings account.”
“April! That’s not how you do it. First, you spoil yourself rotten, then you put whatever is left in your savings, if there’s any. It’s like you’re not even paying attention to me.” She pretends to be offended for a second, then switches to surprised. The woman belongs on the stage. “Okay, nouveau riche. While you’re over there rolling in cash, I was over here googling Good Dick.”
All efforts in maintaining a straight face fail upon hearing that, but I still correct her. “Liam. His name is Liam.”
“Well, yeah, you’re right, he has a few pap pictures spread around online. Nothing nearly as bad as Max, though.” I see her mouth moving as if she’s reading something, then she bursts out laughing. “April Motherfucking Hadden! You fucked one of the UK’s Most Eligible Bachelors on your first night in London? I’m so proud of you I could cry.”
My unimpressed face just makes her laughter turn into hysterics.
“Done, I’m crying.” Great, she’s wiping her eyes now. She dries her tears and carries on, so concentrated you would think she’s accessing a patient’s file. “But hey, he seems pretty discreet otherwise. All the sites I found have the same info and photos of him.” Her nails click on the screen as she carries on her research.
“According to Wikipedia, he’s never been seen with a girlfriend and attends most events with his brother Noah Gunn and mother Katherine Burgess. Wait. The Katherine Burgess? As in the doctor? No, forget her. Girl, he has a brother!” She perks up, ideas obviously running havoc in that dangerous brain. “I’m googling him next. Maybe good dick runs in the family.”
My phone beeps and cuts me off mid-laugh. Color drains from my face.
It’s a message from Liam.
He must have put his contact on my new phone. Not his whole name, just an L.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
april
“Calista. Liam just texted me.”
“What? Now? What did he say? OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD!” Her voice gets high pitched enough to break glass and I chortle. My cheeks hurt from how much this woman has made me laugh tonight already. “April. Stop laughing and start talking.”
L:
Not even a thank you, Dr. Hadden?
I read out loud for her. “He means the new telephone. He gave me this phone, and I never thanked him.”
“April Hadden, I taught you better than that. But it’s time for me to go back to work and for you to polish your sexting skills.” She gives me a wink and a smile so big I could see her wisdom teeth, had she had any. “I taught you that too. Now go and make me proud.” The last thing I hear before pressing ‘end call’ is her screaming, “And send me screenshots, too.”
I keep staring at his message, not sure how to respond. Why didn’t I thank him? Deep, very and ashamedly deep inside, I know why.
It’s a thrill to be wanted and chased by Liam Gunn.
L:
You realize I can see that you’re online and have read this, right?
That’s my cue to stop overthinking and start typing.
A:
Hi.
Sorry.
Busy first day. Many people to talk to.
I literally got trapped in a small, dark office at one point, can you believe it?
April, he’s a dick. Stop flirting! Get a hold of yourself.
A: