I was saying, have you seen that new fabric to come out of Italy?” the woman asked Tawny, completely ignoring me.
I listened to the two of them carry on about some fabric that they were both in love with. I didn’t understand how any one fabric could be all that special, but they were certainly excited. We left that store and moved to another. I was beginning to wonder if I was making a huge mistake.
Tawny passed along the information about the Italian fabric. The conversation started down the same vein as the last one I was forced to listen to. I tuned out. I thought about my night with Chase. I thought about him and what he was doing right then. He was probably sitting in the dining room of his fabulous restaurant and enjoying a glorious meal.
I was starving. I wanted something more sustainable than green tea. I wanted food and a shower and a change of clothes. I might be jumping into something I wasn’t really prepared for.
“Don’t you think so?”
I blinked, realizing both women were staring at me. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Don’t you think a fashion show would be a great way to advertise?”
I nodded. “Absolutely.”
The shop owner smiled at me. I could almost feel her patting my head. “My assistant has an in with one of the local modeling agencies. We could get right on it.”
I opened my mouth to ask a question but was quickly shut down. “Let’s go see how Molly at the shoe boutique is doing.”
I smiled and nodded, knowing my opinion and approval were not needed. I was literally her shadow. I followed behind her, feeling like a lost puppy dog. As she talked to another shop owner and I stood off to the side, I thought about the few ideas I did hear. These people all seemed to have their own ideas. They weren’t interested in what I had to say.
Some of the things I did hear had potential. If I had Parker with me, we could take their ideas and make them fabulous.
I missed my team. I missed the freedom to do what I wanted. I liked having carte blanche. Chase gave me the freedom to create and plan.
Spending hours with Tawny made me rethink everything. Was I really ready to give up the rather cushy job I had with Chase? I was certain he would keep me on if I asked.
I gave a mental shake. That was not an option. I could not keep working with him. The blurred lines were too much. I needed to make my clean break from him.
If only I had kept my panties on, I could have stayed on at the hotel. Unfortunately, I didn’t and now I couldn’t stay. I needed to make a clean break from Chase. If only there was some ritual I could perform to exorcise him from my life for good. I refused to let the man break my heart. I couldn’t survive it.
“Why don’t we grab some coffee?” Tawny said, cutting into my thoughts.
“You know, I should go. I could really use a shower and a hot meal.”
“Okay. Thanks for hanging out with me.”
“Tawny, I don’t want to be too forward, but is the job offer still available?”
She grinned. “Absolutely. Come back tomorrow and we’ll get a fresh start.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I walked away feeling a lot better about things. I was off today. I was cranky and reading into things. This was a good move. It was a move away from Chase and in the right direction for the future I really wanted.
Chapter 58
Chase
I was pouting. I knew it and I didn’t give a shit. I didn’t have the energy to drag my ass downstairs to work. I ordered room service for dinner and then again for breakfast this morning.
My phone had been ringing pretty much nonstop since I closed myself up in the suite yesterday. I was pissed at myself for not being straight with her from the very beginning. If I would have talked to her instead of fucking her, I would not be sitting by myself alone.
My eyes drifted over to the end of the sofa where the teddy bear I won for her was sitting. I took it from her room when I stomped out. That was the last time I left my suite. I did take the time to shower this morning but that was it. I did nothing else but sulk.
Fortunately, everyone figured out I didn’t want to be bothered