Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 94546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94546 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 378(@250wpm)___ 315(@300wpm)
Although upset to see Jack with someone else so soon after he fled here, I seek out the positives instead of reacting negatively for a change. It’s a hard feat, but only for as long as it takes for me to speak my next set of words. “Do you truly think anyone in our grandfather’s file would choose a career that would have him constantly thrust into the limelight?”
Caleb stops chewing midchew. After staring into space long enough for me to think he didn’t hear me, he locks his eyes with mine. They’re throwing out an array of questions, but none leave his mouth. He merely halfheartedly shrugs, places his half-consumed bowl into the sink, presses his lips to my temple, then exits the kitchen.
I’m so desperate to unravel my confusion, I’m tempted to take off after him. The only reason I don’t is that I do not want to be tardy the day after a promotion. I prefer to lead by example, which is why I apologize to Caleb for my insensitive comment in the kitchen before I have a quick shower and commence my journey to work.
Merrick greets me with his usually happy grin fifty minutes later. “Good morning, Tivy. Pleasant day.”
I admire the pristine blue sky for a couple of seconds before muttering, “It sure is nice… for a change.”
Merrick laughs before gesturing for me to enter the ferry before him. “Are you coming with us today?” He usually stays at the dock, preparing for the ferry’s return.
“Yes.” His grin competes with the blinding rays of the morning sun. “I got a promotion yesterday for exemplary service.”
My mouth drops open before I throw my arms around his shoulders to hug him tightly. He’s been waiting for this promotion for years. “That’s wonderful, Merrick. I’m so proud of you.”
The blush on his cheeks is adorable. “Thank you, Tivy. I’m quite proud of myself.” He guides me deeper onto the ferry while disclosing, “We’ve decided to put away the extra funds each payday. In a year or five, it will go toward an Italian adventure.”
“That sounds like a great idea. It’s about time Adeline’s wish to see Florence comes to fruition.”
He looks more in love now than he ever has while discussing his wife. She truly is the love of his life. “Well, I better get a wiggle on. I don’t want to be demoted the second day on the job.”
Ignoring the similarities of our story, I hug him goodbye before moving to the front of the boat. The sun peeking through the buildings is warm on my arms, but the winds bouncing off the water are a little chilly.
In my hurry to leave, I forgot to snatch up the coat Jack purchased for me. It’s slung over the chair in my room, right where Jack’s business jacket was placed the first night he stayed over.
As the ferry chugs toward downtown, my mind wanders. I think back to the photograph of Jack in the newspaper while contemplating when it was taken. He was wearing the same suit and tie he stripped out of in the limousine, but his dress shirt was different. I can’t help but wonder if that was because he had to replace the one he lost buttons from during his eagerness to undress.
Although the lady pictured with him appeared a little older than him, they did have a unique bond. I wouldn’t necessarily say fire-sparking, but it’s hard to tell a connection from a black and white image.
While shrugging off my unease about their relationship as a consequence of my own confusion, I exit the ferry with workers and tourists ready to enjoy their day. With an umbrella not impeding my vision, I don’t catapult anyone through the turnstile door at the front of headquarters.
I won’t lie. I’m a little disappointed. I was hoping to spot Jack this morning.
Alas, rarely do my dreams become a reality.
“Good morning, Tivy,” Jess beams when she spots my entrance into the office. “How was your night?” Her waggling brows freeze mid-wiggle when I sigh. “Really? You too? Ugh. I would have thought if anyone was going to get lucky last night, it would have been you.”
My half grimace gives me away.
After whacking me in the arm, Jess mutters under her breath, “I knew that wasn’t a new perfume. You lying little witch.” She hooks her arm around mine before dragging me into the break room like our workday hasn’t officially started yet. “Where did it happen? Oh… the stairwell between our apartments?” She stops, twists her lips, then breathes out with a gag. “It wasn’t the rooftop hot tub, was it?”
“We have a rooftop hot tub?” When she nods, I snap out, “Since when?”
“Ah… since forever.” She gags again. “Hence, no one using it. That water is as old and crusty as our landlord.”