I actually enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of my new job. It was work, but it gave me something constructive to do. The brightest spot of the week was Jess’s call to tell me Bert had proposed. My heart had felt much lighter after listening to her squealing. When I told her she should wait to go dress shopping until she came to visit, I thought my eardrums would explode. Not only was she excited about shopping in Europe, she immediately assumed it meant I was going too. I didn’t have the heart to tell her no, so I decided I’d just suck it up and look for a dress with her.
It wasn’t until Friday arrived that I started to feel blue. I’d stayed so busy I’d managed to not worry too much. Unfortunately, Chadwick was pretty strict about keeping my weekends free. He felt I deserved time off just like everyone else. Normally that would be a great thing, but Alex had called to let me know he couldn’t come back this time. He was attending a formal dinner at the palace and wouldn’t have time to make it here and back.
“Why don’t you go do something? Call Cathy.” Chadwick looked at me over lunch. “You need to think about something else.”
“Are you sick of me?” Not that I’d fault him for it. I was being grumpy. I stood up and put my plate in the sink. Margie was getting used to the idea of us eating in the kitchen and I was getting used to her cooking everything.
“I’m sick of you looking so frustrated.” He threw his napkin on the counter. “Your dad wants you to stay here, but you feel like you should go to him. You miss Alex but don’t want anyone to know you’re together. It’s like you’re trying to torture yourself.”
“I am not!” Margie tsked under her breath while she wrapped up the leftovers and I frowned. “You think I’m being stupid, too?”
“Of course I don’t think you’re being stupid. I think you’re afraid to see the good.” She set the plate she was holding in the refrigerator.
“What do you mean?”
“The man you love loves you just as much.” Her back was to me, so she didn’t see the look on my face.
“Close your mouth, Samantha.” Chadwick rolled his eyes. “You’re the only person who doesn’t realize you’re in love with him.”
“How would you know I was in love before I did?” I crossed my arms and glared at him.
“Because we’re not the ones living it. It’s easier to see when you’re not wrapped up in it yourself.”
“Speaking of being wrapped up in things. How are you and Daniel?”
“Nice subject change. And we’re okay. His sister, Adriane, is helping with his parents.” He leaned back in his chair. “I don’t think he understood how much it upset me until I set an ultimatum.”
“So you’re working things out?”
“We’re trying. Instead of talking about it, he’s actually taken steps.” He smiled. “Alex told him that the crown stood behind him and they wouldn’t put up with any prejudice.”
I smiled. Alex and I had talked about the predicament Daniel was in with his family. It made me happy to know that he had made an official move to back his friend.
“So, are you pushing me out of the house so you can go see your boyfriend?” I raised an eyebrow and smirked.
“I certainly wouldn’t complain…”
“Okay. I’ll call Cathy. She’s been bugging me nonstop to go out with her.” I didn’t want to go to the clubs, but I had told her I would and this gave me an excuse to see Alex as well.
Chapter Thirty-One
President Gregory Visits Lilaria
—Lilarian Daily
Cathy was waiting for me at the palace. When I got there, she grabbed my garment bag out of my hands and made a beeline for the guest room that I’d used last time. I’d shooed Chadwick away, promising I would be fine.
I wanted to surprise Alex, so hadn’t told him I was coming. He should still be in a meeting, but I was hoping that I’d be able to drag him with us later. Even if there wasn’t going to be any PDA, I’d at least like to spend the time with him. The door to his room was open as I walked down the hallway and I hurried my steps. His meeting must’ve finished early.
He was sitting at his desk with his laptop open and a stack of papers. I watched him for a minute, enjoying his look