You Had Me at Hockey (Bears Hockey #2) - Kelly Jamieson Page 0,54
the Hudson River (much nicer than my view), and a gorgeous kitchen. But it’s white. White, white, white. I guess with furniture and some décor, it won’t look so boring.
I set up my field office in a corner of the living room where there’s an outlet for my computer and phone. Then I explore a bit more, checking out the two bedrooms and bathrooms. Also very nice.
About half an hour later I get a text from the movers. Josh gave them my number. I go downstairs, where they’re waiting with Javier, who directs them to the loading area and freight elevator at the rear of the building.
As I head back upstairs, a woman is waiting at the elevators, holding a cute black dog. I smile at them and she says, “So Josh Heller is moving in today?”
Shit. She must have overheard us talking. What if she’s a creepy stalker? What am I supposed to say?
“It’s okay!” she says. “My boyfriend plays with Josh for the Bears. Easton Millar.”
“Oh!” Relief washes through me. “Yes, moving in today.”
We step into the elevator and the doors glide closed.
“I’m Lilly. And this is Otis.” She extends a hand to me and we manage to shake despite her holding Otis.
“I’m Sara. Nice to meet you.”
“Are you Josh’s girlfriend? I thought I heard that you two broke up when he left Dallas.”
I blink. Girlfriend in Dallas? “Uh…no…”
But what am I, exactly? His fuck buddy? His slam piece? That’s more accurate.
“Oh my God.” Lilly’s eyes widen. “Shit. I’m sorry.”
I shake my head, smiling. “No, no, it’s fine.”
The doors slide open and Lilly jumps out. “This is me! I’m sure we’ll see you again!”
I force a bright smile and hold my hand up in a wave goodbye.
Then I slump against the wall. Josh had a girlfriend in Dallas? Huh.
I don’t know why this news makes me suddenly feel tired. I drag my ass back into Josh’s apartment and wait for the movers to arrive. I supervise them and direct them where to take things. It’s easy because all the boxes are clearly labeled. As they put together his bed, I start unpacking some kitchen things, finding places for his toaster and blender, glasses, dishes, cutlery, and a modest assortment of cooking utensils.
But I keep thinking about his girlfriend. Did they break up, like Lilly said? Josh doesn’t seem the type to screw around on someone, but I thought that about Kaylee’s last boyfriend too, and he was boning his admin assistant.
In some ways I feel like I’ve known Josh a long time, but this just goes to show we really don’t know each other that well.
The movers help me arrange the living room furniture. I have no idea how Josh will want it, but it makes sense to set up the big leather sectional to take advantage of the windows, and there’s also room on another wall for the TV stand and his big television.
I unpack a few decorative items and lamps. Anything I don’t know what to do with, we move into the second bedroom to leave for Josh.
Then the movers are gone and I’m alone in the apartment again.
I amble into his bedroom and sit on the king-size bed. My gaze falls onto a box labeled Bedding, so I open it and pull out sheets and a duvet. Another box holds pillows. I make up his bed, tossing a puffy black duvet over it. I put away towels in the master bathroom. Then I sigh.
A heavy sadness is dragging me down. I know I shouldn’t feel this way. It’s not as if I just discovered he’s cheating on me or someone else. And yet…I guess I’m a little jealous.
I need to talk to him, but I won’t see him again until Saturday night after the game and that’s probably not going to be a good time. Shit.
I take the subway home and as I’m about to enter my building, I pause, regarding the flower shop across the street. I turn and jog over to the entrance and push inside.
It smells amazing…it’s winter, but in here it smells green and fresh.
“Hey, Sara!” The owner of the shop, Kesha, calls out to me.
She’s about my age and since I come in here all the time, we’ve gotten to know each other and have gone out to movies and for lunch a few times.
We greet each other with a hug. “Hi! How are you?”