The rest of the week flew by in a blur of court rooms and paperwork. The finalized paperwork for the new building landed on my desk Friday Morning, so I briefly skim over the words signing on the bottom line where Becca has assigned an X for me. My own solicitors had okay the new contract Liam had written up, and I felt confident in my decision that this was going to work. I still need the security from my mother, and I need money to achieve that. Personal bodyguards and a new high-end flat don’t come with a small price tag. The interior designers should be moving in over the next week or so to finish up our offices, and we’re on track for the new year opening. The knock at my door startles me, I’m so jumpy lately thanks to my mother’s threats and the numerous other tid-bits of information swarming my brain.
“Yes?” I shout before Becca waltzes in with a gorgeous bunch of white roses, placed in a clear vase decorated with sliced oranges and cranberries. Very festive! Placing them so nicely on the corner of my desk, I hadn’t noticed before, but this room could do with some flowers. They match my office space so well, and they brighten my mood. But then I realize they could be a ploy tactic off my birth giver, although she’s never reached out to me at work, so I quickly reach for the card that’s tucked neatly between the petals. Becca’s eyeing me with a cocked eyebrow, her green eyes hopeful. I let out a huff of breath before peeling open the small cream envelope.
Dinner tonight? L H
It’s a written note, but I’ve never seen his handwriting before, so I don’t know if it’s his scribble or not. Either way, my stomach warms at the gesture, he could have just texted me or called, but he sent flowers. I don’t think anyone other than Becca has sent me flowers – oh no, wait. That jerk off I was dating a few years ago, bought me a cheap supermarket bunch and then told me I could repay him with car. Those flowers went in the bin just as quickly as I threw him out. I let a small smile creep up my face, and Becca snatches the note from my fingers before I even have a chance to say otherwise.
“Oh my god! Please tell me you’re going” her bottom lip protrudes in a mock pouty face, her green eyes pleading with me.
“I guess, I’m slightly confused though” my brow furrows. I know I should stop doing that. The woman who usually gives us facials at the spa tells me it will bring on premature wrinkles.
“Why? What’s confusing? He obviously likes you, you’ve already slept with him. What’s the biggie?”
“That’s the thing, this is kinda serious, isn’t it? I take the note back from Becca before going to sit on the sofa.
“I’m assuming this is Liam?” she says before coming to sit opposite me.
“Yes, it is” I huff it out, but I don’t know why. I’m not irritated with him, he’s being nice. But do I really want to start this? I don’t know what his end game is, and I hate it when my thoughts and feelings have a mind of their own and go to war with each other. I’ll be the one to get hurt at the end of it. I might put on a brave face most of the time, but I hurt too. I tell Becca about our whole night and what we said to each other, and how he called me his. I know I need an outsider take on this. I’ll only fuck myself over thinking it around and around. After a lengthy pause she rests her elbows on her knees and looks me dead in the eyes before speaking.
“Okay, well as far as I see it, this is all new and exciting. You’ve been seeing each other often, and you’ve had sodding phone sex! Honestly, I say go with it, and bloody enjoy it! If it gets too serious and it’s not what you’re looking for, then you just tell him. Do you like him being that in control in bed?” she says matter of fact. I roll my lips together, hiding the smug smile I have coming on. “You dirty little minx!” she smacks my knee playfully, when my phone chimes signaling a text. I grab it before returning to my desk.
“It’s Liam”
“And?”
“He asked if I got his gift”
“Seriously, I think you’re overthinking this. He’s asked you to dinner, he’s not proposing” That earns her a stifled laugh. But she’s right. I think this is the first guy to genuinely pay me any attention that isn’t him begging me to buy him a car.
I hit reply on my phone,
The flowers are beautiful. Thank you. I can cook if you fancy it? A x
I hit send before I can change my mind.
“Done” I smile at Becca, and we both laugh.
“I’m so proud of you”
“Thank you, I’ll let you know how it goes”
“Duh!”