Chapter 36

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SIX

THEN

Cecilia was in love. She had no doubt about it.

She twirled in the middle of her living room floor, overjoyed at this new development in her life.

Garrick would be here at any minute to pick her up for another date tonight. They hadn't seen each other in a few days, and she missed him. She couldn't wait to catch up. To feel his arms around her. To smell his expensive cologne.

She and Garrick had been seeing each other for a month now.

Ever since the fundraiser, they'd been inseparable. Well, inseparable other than when they had to work, which was often, especially for Garrick.

The fundraiser had gone well except for one slight snafu.

One of Garrick's colleagues had mentioned getting a tennis bracelet for his wife. And Cecilia had muttered, "Oh, does she enjoy playing tennis?"

Everyone around her had laughed.

Her cheeks had reddened when she realized she must have said something stupid.

When she asked Garrick about it later, he explained the term and assured her that she shouldn't be embarrassed. In fact, the term came about from a tennis player.

Cecilia hadn't grown up in a well-to-do family, but she should have known what a tennis bracelet was.

She'd feared what Garrick's friends must think about her.

But just last week, Garrick had told her he loved her, so he must not be too embarrassed.

Another grin tugged at her lips.

Her life was going to change. She could feel it in her bones.

If things between the two of them continued to progress, then there would be no more living in the slums for her. No more surviving from paycheck to paycheck. No more worries about paying rent or having enough money for food.

She'd met her real-life prince charming.

Squealing, she turned in another circle.

She could pinch herself she was so happy.

She let out another sigh and glanced at the time.

Garrick was supposed to be here, but he was three minutes late. Which was unusual. He was always so punctual.

Cecilia walked to her window and looked outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of him as he walked up to her apartment.

She'd dressed in a red sweater and some tight blue jeans. She'd specifically picked this outfit because Garrick had told her that red was his favorite color. She wanted to see his eyes light up when he saw her. She wanted him not to be able to keep his hands off her.

For a while, she'd wondered if coming to the city had been a mistake. But now she knew it wasn't.

In fact, it was the best decision she'd ever made. No other man had made her feel as special as Garrick.

She watched out the window several more minutes before frowning and glancing at her watch again.

Garrick was now ten minutes late.

Was he okay? Had something happened to him? This was just so unlike him.

She tried to keep her worries at bay.

She could call him. But Garrick preferred not to get phone calls, especially when he was working. He was often in meetings. Even if Cecilia tried to call, there was a good chance his phone would be on silent. That was what he'd told her.

It made sense. When you had an important job that happened. Cecilia couldn't fault him for that.

After twenty more minutes passed, she gave up watching out the window. Gave up twirling in the middle of her living room.

Instead, she plopped down on her faded navy-blue couch and glanced at her phone.

Should she call Garrick anyway? Just to make sure that nothing had happened?

Then, as if right on cue, her phone rang.

Her heart lifted. It was him. Garrick.

She pressed Talk and put the phone to her ear, her voice a mix of worry and excitement. "Hey, everything okay? I was getting worried."

"I'm sorry I'm late, sweetie. But something popped up, and I couldn't get away."

"That's okay. Just come on over whenever you're ready."

"Unfortunately," his voice dropped, "I'm going to have to cancel on you."

Her heart sagged with disappointment at his unexpected words. "Oh? Is everything okay?"

"It's a work thing that can't wait. I've had to cancel all my foreseeable plans until I get this issue taken care of."

"Oh." Her voice sagged. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"But I'll make it up to you," he told her. "I promise."

He had told her he might take her to his house in the Hamptons one day. Cecilia had dreamed about the moment that actually took place. She'd love nothing more than a whole weekend with the man she loved.

As if reading her mind, he said, "Next weekend, I want to take you away. To my summer home on the water. How does that sound?"

She reminded herself not to sound too excited, to keep her cool. "I think I can make that work."

"Great." His voice warmed. "See if you can get off work, and I'll take you for the best weekend of your life."

"I'll see what I can do."

"Perfect. And again, I'm sorry about tonight."

"I forgive you."

She would have to save this red sweater for another date.

Now she had the whole evening to do something else. She wasn't sure what. Maybe she would watch some movies and eat popcorn.

It wouldn't be the same as going out with Garrick.

But at least she had next weekend to look forward to.

A grin spread across her face as she thought about it, and she let out a squeal.