Page 59 of Never Let Me Go
David hesitates, his cheeks turning pink. “I want Timmy to know first. Mom would totally call him and ruin the surprise.”
Okay. That’s cute. I get it. I wanted to tell Andrew. I settled for JJ and Mom instead. I even texted Alison. She was so happy for me. There’s only one thing… we have phones and iPads in Chicago, and we’re flying back to New York.
“Doesn’t your brother live in California?”
“I’ve summoned him and my cousins to New York.”
I glance over at him in surprise. Just like that, huh? Rich people. Oh my god. That’s me. That’s going to be me. I could never.
“They’re all coming to New York. On such short notice? What did you tell them to get them all to rush here?”
David smirks and that arrogant, cocky,richguy I first met surfaces. “That I’m having a dinner party at my place and expect them all to be there.”
I roll my eyes. Of course that’s what it takes to get them all to fly from the west coast. See. Rich people. I manage to turn my snort into a cough, but David notices, grinning.
“Did you organize everything with your moving company?”
His fingers toy with my new ring and a smug smile tugs at his lips, as it does every time he sees or touches the damn thing. I can’t blame him. I make the same smile every time I look at it too.
“Cathy took over,” I sigh, rolling my eyes when David shrugs like that’s to be expected. “I made sure to leave very specific instructions with her. JJ knows that only my stuff is to be packed, and no furniture. JJ wants to sublet the room on Air BnB, so she needs it furnished.”
“When does Cathy think they’ll deliver the stuff to our place?”
My heart clenches and I’m grinning like a fool at hearing him call itourplace.
“Uh, in like a week. I didn’t have a lot to pack up. Most of it fit into those few suitcases we’re bringing with us.”
David nods, and I purse my lips at him. I shut him down fast when he suggested getting me a fancy credit card and access to a joint account. But this morning, when I was pulling out all my Chicago-related loyalty cards that I won’t need anymore, I found a black Amex with my name on it. The man is sneaky and moves fast. I didn’t want to start a fight, so I haven’t mentioned it. But I’m not using it for anything, except maybe groceries.
“When is this fancy dinner party?”
“Tonight.”
Uh, what? I glare at him, my head whipping around. “You couldn’t give me more time to prepare myself?”
David grins, picking up my hand and pressing it to his lips. “I want to show off my fiancée. I don’t want to wait.”
Okay, that’s super cute. I can’t stay mad at him for that. He leans over, his breath brushing over my ear and causing me to shiver. “Plus, I’m dropping you off at a spa on the way home from the airport. You’ll be nice and relaxed and pampered by the time they all arrive tonight.”
I flush with pleasure and turn to him, brushing my lips over his. I can work with a spa day.
“You’re lucky I love you,” I murmur. David waggles his eyebrows at me, in full playful mode.
“I know. Also, Timmy and Angie are staying with us.”
What? Houseguests? And he’s only mentioning thisnow? I gasp and resume my glaring. He laughs and sips his Scotch. Asshole.
David
“We will move all this upstairs prior to your guests arriving, Mr. Brooks Westerhaven,” the head caterer assures me, smiling andmoving off to supervise the two chefs working simultaneously in my kitchen. Nodding, I wander across the room to the living area, dropping onto the couch, propping my feet on the coffee table and flicking through the channels.
Beau and Ryan arrived this afternoon. They’re both staying with Max. Timmy dissuaded Ryan from staying here by telling him he couldn’t bring random women back when Angie was staying here. Fine by me. I don’t need a walk of shame parade from my condo. Timmy and Angie are arriving in time for dinner.
The door swings open, and my head snaps around, my eyes drinking up the sight of Ani. She is practically glowing from her spa day. Her hair and makeup are impeccable. But most importantly, she looks relaxed andhappy. I vault off the couch, crossing to her as she peers across to the kitchen, rolling her eyes.
“Caterers. Again?”
I think she’s forgetting something important. “Uh, do you not remember how terrible I am at cooking?”