Page 25 of Softest Touch
He sits in the armchair opposite me. “Care to elaborate?”
“Derek will only be in Seattle for a couple of days, so I won't have much time, but I want to prepare the last part of my surprise for him.”
“Oh, man!” He rubs his face while groaning. “You do realize I'm the worst person at keeping secrets? Sienna is better than me.”
“No, I need your help.”
His curiosity piques, and he leans closer. “Okay, tell me, what do you have in mind?”
“I need all your family albums, photos of Derek, everything you can get me.” I pause, giving him time to process my request. “I won't ruin them, I promise.”
“Okay, I think I have something at home, but he has a lot of things too.”
“I've already gotten his albums,” I proudly admit, “but I have a time gap to fill.”
“Now curiosity is eating me up. What are you working on?”
“Don't ask if you can't keep a secret.” I giggle as I get up from the couch.
“Fine! I'll lend you everything later.”
I clap my hands like an excited little girl, making him chuckle. “You are an angel, thank you!”
“Tell that to Sienna. Her hormones are driving me crazy.”
I can imagine; Sienna is losing her patience. “Wait a few more months, then you can complain.”
He walks me toward the door and opens it for me as he motions for his assistant to come over. “Yeah, in two months, I can finally see my princess. I'm thrilled but also scared.”
“You'll be a great dad; don't freak out now.”
The confirmations I was waiting for still haven't arrived, and my nerves are getting the best of me. Derek left this morning, and time is running out. I hope the surprise will have the effect I’ve imagined and finally put an end to these white lies. I don't like hiding things from him, but I need to wait just a little longer.
* * *
Breakfast with Sienna has become almost a routine. We meet at the usual cafeteria in front of Wilson's offices. The coffee is delicious, and so is the tea, plus they have some sweets I adore and can't stop eating.
Walking back to my office, I find an envelope on my desk. It has no sender, but it is sealed. Opening it, I take out a card as a bracelet and some rose petals fall onto my desk.
‘Since you came here, you have illuminated the world and my heart.’
I turn the card, but there's nothing else written on it. I take out my phone and call Derek.
“Good morning, baby. I was about to text you.”
“Good morning.” I sink in my chair and spin around, facing the window. “How come?”
“What do you mean? I miss my good morning kiss.” He chuckles. “Is everything okay?”
“Yep,” I pop the 'p,' but he still seems so calm. “I'm already in the office, and I wanted to thank you for the note.”
“What note?” His voice gets serious.
I play with the card while peering at the calligraphy on it. “I found a note on my desk with no sender on it; I thought you left it.”
“Unfortunately, no, baby. What does it say?”
“Whoever wrote it says they are happy that I'm here.”