Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
I peek into the kitchen and tip off my server Martin about the need for refills at table fifty, and when I’m back in the dining room, I clear plates from an empty four-top when the bussers are already there. Just to, you know, busy my hands.
But the one thing I don’t do is look back toward Noah and Mary.
Tomorrow, I’ll get myself put together again. But tonight…I’m allowing myself the messiness of my personal crisis. If avoidance is what I need, avoidance is what I’ll get.
Although, I’m surprised at myself—and my stupid feet—when I end up stopping at a table on the other side of the room that’s filled with eight businessmen and Gavin Evans.
They’re chatting and laughing as they munch on appetizers and wine, and Gavin’s relaxed posture makes him look even more handsome than he did before.
His attention moves to me as soon as I come to a stop, a bright and welcoming smile consuming his face. “Sammy!” He climbs to his feet and wraps a strong arm around my waist, claiming me without hesitation in front of all his associates.
“Boys, I’d like to introduce you to someone who’s very important to me. Say hello to the absolutely gorgeous Sammy Baker.”
All of the men offer friendly waves and nods, and all I can do is lift a hand and offer a sociable smile. My insides feel like they’ve been whipped in Vinny’s spin mixer and salted in every wound.
This kind of attention from Gavin right after finding Noah with another date—it’s almost torture.
“Gentlemen, it’s nice to meet you,” I announce. “I’m also the general manager here at La Croisette, so please let me know if you guys need anything.”
“No,” Gavin chimes in on a laugh. “You will not be letting her know if you need anything. You lazy bastards will handle it yourselves or else I’ll put the kibosh on the deal we’re all here to broker.”
The table bursts into laughter, and Gavin just smiles down at me.
“You doing okay?” he asks and gently squeezes my hip.
“Mm-hmm,” I push out with a smile, trying not to look across the restaurant to Noah and Mary and somehow catching a glimpse anyway.
She laughs at something he’s said, and my stomach recoils from the sight.
My sister was wrong about Noah.
Between Noah and Gavin, there’s only one man who appears interested in me, and he’s not the one with the gorgeous redhead.
He’s the one who just told a table full of business associates that I’m someone important to him.
I think it’s about time my head and my heart got the difference straight.
Sunday, May 15th
I put the finishing touches on my makeup and make sure my straightener is off before I leave the bathroom.
And then I go back a second time to double-check because fire hazards freak me out.
The apartment is eerily quiet, devoid of the normal hustle and bustle of my two wild boys, and it makes my stomach feel whooshy and nervous. I swear, motherhood changes your factory settings. Everything that was once about yourself becomes about them, and quiet moments alone become few and far between. In between the overstimulation and worry and labor, there are so many moments that only feel right because your kids are there.
And since Grant’s accident, alone time and guilt have been in a permanent blender.
The only reason I’m getting ready to meet Gavin for dinner right now? My sister.
Since Grant and Seth are off school tomorrow, they’re spending the night at Brooke and Chase’s. I honestly have no idea why my very pregnant sister wants to entertain my kids, but ever since we moved to New York, it’s like she’s been trying to make up for lost time with her nephews.
As I grab my phone and keys and purse and head out the door, I can’t stop myself from sending Brooke a quick text to make sure she hasn’t changed her mind.
Me: Are you surviving? Are they behaving? Are you sure you want to keep them for an entire night? I can cancel my plans and come get them. Just say the word.
Her response is almost instant.
Brooke: We’re all good here. DON’T cancel your plans.
Not only did I agree to a third dinner date with Gavin, but this time, I even let my sister know my plans. She didn’t balk when I told her who I was having dinner with, and she didn’t mention Noah once. I’m not sure if her neutrality was genuine or if she was pretending, but either way, it feels like progress. For both of us.
Brooke: Is it cool that Chase is showing them how to play beer pong? Don’t worry, we’ll only let them have a few brews.
I snort as I step out of my building and start the two-block walk to Leyla’s, the restaurant where Gavin secured a reservation.