Eloise
I took in a deep breath as I stepped into the elevator and took it up to the Blake Group. When I stepped out, I went to Christian’s office and he wasn’t in there.
“Can I help you?” his secretary asked.
“I’m looking for Christian. Is he around?”
“He just stepped out. He should be back shortly.”
“Thank you. Is it okay if I wait in his office?”
“Of course.” She smiled.
I took the seat across from his desk, and a few moments later, he walked in.
“Eloise?”
“Hi, Christian.” I got up from my seat.
“What are you doing here?”
My nerves were getting the better part of me and I found it difficult to speak.
“I just wanted to come and thank you in person for the doll. She arrived yesterday.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled as he stood in front of me. “I hope you like her.”
“I do. I love her.” I smiled.
“What’s her name?” He smirked.
“I named her Maggie.”
“I figured you would.” He grinned.
“Listen, Christian. I just want you to know that I forgive you, and maybe—”
“I know you do, Eloise, and I think I know what you’re going to say. I didn’t send you the doll with the hopes of getting back together. It was a small gesture to help heal the wound that I caused. I think maybe we’re better off with the way things are.”
I stood there in shock as my partially healed heart broke once again.
“Yeah. Maybe you’re right.” I looked down. “Thank you again,” I spoke as I couldn’t get out of there fast enough before the tears started to fall.
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you around.”
“Sure.” I gave a small smile to deflect the hurt I was feeling inside.
****
Natalie, Scarlett, and Claire dragged me out to Hellcat Annie’s. I didn’t want to go. All I wanted to do was curl up in bed and sleep the rest of the day and night away. But they weren’t having it. As soon as we were seated, I ordered a cosmopolitan while we looked over the menu. I wasn’t hungry because my stomach was nothing but a tightly twisted knot of sorrow and despair. The three of them talked while I pretended to listen.
“Cheer up, buttercup,” Natalie spoke as she placed her hand on mine.
“Yeah. We’re here to have fun tonight with lots of alcohol and comfort food,” Scarlett spoke.
As I finished off my drink, I held my finger up to get our waiter’s attention. I needed another drink ASAP.
“Excuse me. I’m headed over to the bar. What can I get you?” Christian asked as he pointed to my empty glass.
I stared at him as a smile crossed his face.
“A cosmopolitan.”
“One cosmopolitan coming right up.” He winked.
I looked over at the girls and they sat there smiling at me. I didn’t know what the hell was going on, and between seeing Christian and the alcohol, my heart was beating at a rapid pace.
“We have to use the bathroom,” Claire spoke as all three of them got up from their seats.
A few moments later, Christian walked over and set my drink down on the table.
“Thank you,” I spoke.
“You’re welcome. I’m Christian Blake.” He extended his hand.
I stared at him for a moment with a narrowed eye.
“Eloise Moore.” I placed my hand in his.
“It’s nice to meet you, Eloise. Would you mind if I took a seat?”
“No. I wouldn’t mind at all.”
“Have you eaten yet?” he asked.
“I couldn’t decide what to get,” I nervously spoke.
“Their pulled pork sliders are the best. Have you tried them?”
“No. I haven’t. But I think I would like to.” A small smile crossed my lips.
Our waiter walked over and asked if we were ready to order.
“We’ll both have the pulled pork sliders with fries,” Christian spoke.
“We have three other people sitting with us. They just went to the restroom,” I spoke to the waiter.
“Actually,” Natalie spoke, “we need to get going. So you two enjoy the rest of your evening.” She smiled.
I looked at them suspiciously as they said goodbye and left the restaurant.
****
Christian
With Claire’s help, I had this all planned. I wanted to start over from the beginning. Just the two of us, Christian and Eloise. No Mobile Man and no Digits. I asked her about her career, she asked about mine, and we talked about our families. I told her everything about my parents and my childhood. We sat for four hours and just got to know each other again. It was after midnight when we finished off dessert and our last drink.
We left the restaurant and stood on the brightly lit street of 10th Avenue where I hailed her a cab home.
“I had a nice time, Eloise. I would love to see you again.” I smiled.
“I would love to see you too.” She smiled brightly back at me.
“Can I get your phone number?”
“Of course. I’d love for you have it.”
She rattled off her number and I pretended to put it in my phone because I already had it. I quickly sent her a text message.
“I’ve sent you a text message so you have mine now.” I smirked.
I opened the door to the cab and she climbed in.
“Catch ya later?” I asked with a grin.
“Catch ya later.” The corners of her mouth curved up into a flirty smile.
For the next few days, we flirted via text and then we started seeing each other almost every night. I didn’t dare make a move on her, even though it killed me not to. I wanted her in my bed more than anything in the world, but all good things come in time. I remembered her telling me that she never slept with a guy until after the fifth date, and I wanted to respect that, even though I knew she was getting restless. All was good and I would make sure it was worth the wait.