Perfectly Lonely - Jessica Marin Page 0,62
off a text to her, asking her to pick up when I call in five-seconds as I know she won’t if she’s mad at me. I hit send, count to five very slowly and call her.
“Angel, I’m so sorry,” I say as soon as she answers. “With Cal agreeing to the contract tonight, we had to quickly call all the vendors we had on hold to give them the green light for the events we’re going to have during the next two days announcing our partnership with him.”
“So, you’re still at the office?” she questions, her voice sounding less angry from when she answered the phone.
“Yes, Angel. I’m still here. We have some more work to go over before I can leave. I didn’t realize I left my cell phone in my office until I saw the time and how late it was. If I send a car for you, would you come to my condo tonight when I’m done?” I plead in a husky voice, my need to see her overtaking my thoughts.
“I’m already snuggled up with Avery, watching a movie.” Disappointment laces through me, but it’s my fault for not getting in touch with her sooner.
“I understand. No excuses tomorrow, I promise. Tell me about your day,” I ask, not ready to hang up yet as I’m curious about her thoughts on Vancouver.
“It was a wonderful day. I think we hit up every major tourist attraction in Vancouver. Avery loved the aquarium. I can’t get over how beautiful it is here,” she marvels and I love hearing her appreciation for the city I call home.
“Do you think you could ever see yourself here?” The need to know if she would ever be willing to move here for me is overwhelming.
“Never say never, Chase. Leaving Chicago always seemed like an inconceivable idea to me. But, now I can see that it isn’t anymore.” I smile at her answer, those words exactly what I needed to hear. “Tell me how your day was? When Cal returned, he told us all about your beautiful vineyard and seemed excited about the partnership.”
“Today was long and tiring, but absolutely amazing. The team has worked so hard to show Cal what an elite partnership it would be and it looks like their hard work has paid off. I’m so proud of my brother and everyone who has worked such late hours.”
“I can hear it in your voice how elated and proud you are. But Chase, you were part of this too. Be proud of yourself!” She encourages and I shake my head in wonder at her support, despite me standing her up tonight.
“Thank you, Angel. I’m proud of myself. I felt alive today and it made me realize how I’ve missed being part of the business. Seeing all of our loyal employees who I’ve worked side by side with for a long time. It felt really good to be back. I honestly didn’t think once about my father,” I admit to her and to myself for the first time since being back home.
“I’m genuinely happy for you, Chase. Have you seen your mother yet?” she asks tentatively.
“No, not yet. Tomorrow will be the first time at the press conference. You’ll get to meet her too.”
“It’s okay if I don’t,” she says quickly, which causes me to laugh.
“You are important to me, Angel, so therefore, you will meet her,” I confirm, making sure she isn’t caught by surprise when I make the introductions.
“Hmmm,” she says in a sleepy mumble and I realize it’s late for her with the two hour time change.
“Go to sleep, Angel. I will see you in your dreams.” We say good night and I continue to work. I don’t want anything to stand in my way of having alone time with her tomorrow night.
26
Layla
The day starts out early with all of us having to wake up around seven in the morning to get ready for today’s press conference. I choose my attire wisely as I want to look professional, yet chic, since I’m here to support Cal and Jenna. I also want to make sure I look good for meeting Chase’s mother. We’re told to bring numerous outfits for multiple events and even though I overpacked, I still feel unprepared. With help from Robert, I decide to wear emerald satin green tuxedo style pants, a warm black turtle neck sweater and a stylish black trench coat since it’s chilly here. Black suede wedges round out my look to be comfortable to