Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 91840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91840 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 459(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 306(@300wpm)
“This shirt okay to borrow?” I check.
He nods slowly, eyes still on me.
Okay.
“You hungry?” I ask him.
“Yeah.”
“I’ll get you some of the soup I made and bring it through.”
“Can you grab me a beer as well?”
“Sure.”
I go to the kitchen, dump my shirt in my bag, and reheat the soup. I pour some into a bowl and grab some bread, a spoon, and a beer. I put it all on a tray and carry it through to him.
“Dinner is served.” I rest the tray on his lap and take a seat on the edge of the bed.
“You’re not eating?” he asks.
“I’ll get something at home. Will you be okay if I head off soon?”
For a brief moment, I actually think he looks disappointed, but if it was there, it’s gone now.
“Sure I will. I’m a grown-ass man, Speedy. I can take care of myself.”
“Just can’t get out of the tub on your own,” I tease.
He tears off some bread, dips it into the soup, and puts it in his mouth.
I watch as he chews.
“This is good,” he says, a moan of appreciation in his voice.
And it’s embarrassing how much I light up at the compliment.
“It’s just soup,” I say, downplaying it.
“It’s good. You made this?”
“Yep.”
“I’ve never had homemade soup before.”
“Your mom not a cook?” I ask.
“No.” His abrupt answer tells me not to ask anything more.
“Both my parents are chefs. They have a restaurant. Jayce and I were cooking before we were walking. The soup is just a quick, basic meal. I’ll rustle you up something a little fancier tomorrow.”
“I look forward to it.” He meets my eyes for a brief moment before he goes back to eating.
“Right. Well, if you’re okay, then I’m gonna go. I need to pick up Sunny.”
“Sunny?” His brows draw together.
“My car.”
The frown quickly turns into a smile. “You named the golf cart Sunny?”
“Don’t start,” I warn him, pointing my finger.
He grins. “As if I would ever give you grief about naming your golf-cart car Sunny. I mean, that’s totally normal to name your car Sunny.”
“You’re a big jerk. And I’m going.” I get to my feet.
“Aw, don’t be like that, Speedy.” He laughs. “Take my car. It’s getting late. Pick Sunny up tomorrow.” He grins.
“I don’t want to leave her there overnight.”
“I’m pretty sure she won’t get stolen.”
“I just need my car tonight. Thanks for the offer though. I’ll just grab a cab, get my car, and then go home.”
“Get Harry to call you a cab when you get downstairs.”
“I’ll order an Uber. It’ll be quicker. You got your cell phone?”
“Why?”
“So, I can put my number in it in case you need me.”
He hands me his cell, and I put my digits in his Contacts.
I hand it back to him. “Call me if you, I don’t know, fall down or something. Or just need me for anything. And I’ll come right away. Just try not to move too much. Rest as much as possible.” I pick up his crutches from the floor and stand them by the bed for easy access for him. “And just leave the tray on your nightstand. I’ll clear it away in the morning. I’ll be back first thing.”
“Speedy, I plan on finishing my soup, drinking my beer, and then watching sports on TV until I fall asleep.”
“Okay, good.” I turn and head for the door.
“Ava?”
This is only the second time he’s said my name today. And my body has the exact same reaction as it did the first time.
I turn back to him. “Yeah?”
His eyes are warm and serious on me, and my insides heat.
“Thanks for all your help today.”
“Gabe, you really don’t have to thank me. You wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for me. This is the least I can do.”
“Well, either way, I just want you to know I appreciate it.”
“And I appreciate you not calling the cops on me.”
I smile, and he laughs.
Then, his face goes serious. “Can I ask…why did you get fired?”
I wrap my arms around my chest. “Cutbacks.”
“You worked for the studio?”
I tilt my head in question.
“I was in the building for a meeting and saw you coming out.”
“Oh, right. Yeah, I worked in wardrobe.”
“That’s how you know Charly?”
“Yeah, we worked together in New York first. That’s where I’m originally from. Then, I moved here to be with Jeremy.”
“He’s your ex?”
I nod. “I got a job with the studio as a wardrobe assistant but got promoted to wardrobe mistress. I was working on Vaughn’s film, and I hired Charly to come work with me.”
“So, because of you, they met.”
“I guess.” I shrug. “Anyway, I should go.” I thumb over my shoulder.
“Sure. See you tomorrow. And don’t worry about the job front. Someone will hire you in no time.”
“Yeah.” I smile, but it feels weak. “Okay, see you in the morning.”
I order an Uber before I leave Gabe’s apartment. I wait only a few minutes before it turns up.