Chasing Him - Kat T. Masen Page 0,63

he knew what was going on. The only person who isn’t is Charlie. No surprises there, the moron thinks only with his dick.

Our relationship coming out is a huge deal. One would think it means we have the freedom to see each whenever and wherever we please. Quite the opposite—we barely have time to see each other. Julian has endless meetings with his editor this week, being offered another book deal plus the New York Times wants to offer him a permanent column. Life for him has really taken off, and no one is as deserving as he is. It does, however, mean he has decisions to make with what direction he wants to take his career in.

When he mentioned the New York Times, my heart sunk thinking he will need to move back to Manhattan, but he’s quick to tell me they are happy for him to stay in LA and fly over once a month. It seems like the perfect opportunity, yet he’s unsure if he wants to go back to working for a newspaper having enjoyed his time writing his book.

I, on the other hand, have become so busy trying to launch a new line. After the red carpet, my designs made it to Vogue and caught the eye of a few major labels in Paris. All of which want to schedule meetings with me, and given the difference in time zones, I find myself up at all hours trying to fit in work whenever Andy sleeps or is at daycare.

Between the madness, Julian and I will text or call, but we just aren’t in sync.

And the sex… well, that’s on hiatus.

We’re both busy and just can’t get anywhere within a reasonable time. Physically, I miss him. It’s like going cold turkey. He fucks me into oblivion and then nada. Okay, not nada, I did manage to blow him quickly one day on my lunch break, and the only reason it didn’t end in a happy ending for me is because an important buyer arrived early. Talk about leaving me high and dry, or more appropriately, lower and wetter.

Everyone has found out through the grapevine about our relationship. My mom is quick to call, and over the phone we had a lengthy discussion. She admitted that it all makes sense and understands why I was reluctant to come out in the open. After speaking to my dad, they both agreed that they want to meet Julian and thought it was a good idea to have a family dinner. I told her Lex wouldn’t come, but she was quick to reassure me that he already agreed.

What the fuck? What game is he playing?

Friday night, seven on the dot, Julian is standing with me on the porch. Andy is shuffling between us, busily telling Julian about Gramps and Grammy. I take a deep breath, but my airway feels tight. It could also be this dress which no longer fits loosely. So, I’ve gained a few, it’s what happens when you’re in love. Wait, did you just say that out loud or in your brain? OMG, look at him… his face hasn’t changed. Phew, okay, close call.

“Are you nervous?”

“Adriana… I’m thirty-three, it’s not like I’m in high school. I’ve been through a lot worse.”

I turn the handle on the door and push it open. Andy beats me to it, yelling for my parents as we enter the house. Mom is first to come out, wearing her apron. The aroma of pot roast is lingering in the air, and my taste buds go into overdrive. She wipes her hands on her apron as my dad walks in behind her. With both of them present, I introduce Julian. Being a perfect gentleman, Julian hands a bottle of wine to my mom and politely kisses her on the cheek. She seems incredibly pleased, shooting me a wink when he turns to shake hands with my dad.

My mom ushers us to the living room, both of us taking a seat on the couch. It doesn’t last long as Andy sprints into the room, pleading with Julian to come see the playroom. Of course, Julian agrees and excuses himself to follow an overly excited Andy.

“He’s lovely, Adriana.” My mom beams.

I go to say something, but Julian walks back in the room with Andy. The anxiety creeps up again, and just when I think I can control it, Amelia darts into the room and finds Andy.

They are here.

What’s the worst that can go wrong here?

Lex probably