Days later…
POV: Raven
Friday is finally here and I've been in my office all day putting out last-minute fires, confirming my dinner reservations for this evening with Greg, and tying up any loose ends that might prevent the successful start of my first bucket list challenge tonight. However, the adrenaline I’m feeling doesn't mask the anxiety that's dancing around in my stomach.
Everything has been going so smooth; almost too smooth. And I'm worried. Hugh and Dexter were all over me two days ago about abandoning the list altogether, they even presented counter offers by volunteering their services to help me complete it. Now that the day has arrived, I haven't heard a peep from either of them and it is making me nervous. Oddly, enough Lola has been a ball of nerves all morning too. She is usually so bubbly and sassy when we have something exciting on the horizon, but today she's detached, checking her phone every five minutes, and she hasn't been in my office as much as she is usually.
My phone buzzes away my conspiracy theories as a slight shake of my head tells my insides to ease off any residual worries and just to enjoy the moment.
With a firm resolve to do just that, I answer the phone. “Yes, Julie.”
“Greg Buckley is on the phone for you.”
“Great. Put him through.” I smile, leaning back in my chair until his voice comes on the line.
“Hello Greg. I will see you in two hours... you couldn't wait?” I flirt, trying to ignore the flutters of uncertainty in my belly.
“Hey gorgeous, I'm sorry to do this to you... but I can't make it tonight.”
I lean forward in my armchair with my eyes wide open in surprise. “Wait... What?”
“Well...” he stammers along, “I just don't think it's an excellent idea that's all.”
“Greg...” I try speaking calmly as all kinds of contingencies run through my mind... but panic sets in. I take several deep breaths trying to sooth my hyperventilation as I attempt to perpetuate a spirit of calm. “I've called the other guys yesterday to inform them I've chosen you... so that means, if you bail on me, there isn't anyone else. If you tell me what your worries are, maybe we can talk them out and get you back on board.” I stress every word, so he'll understand how much is at stake here and reconsider.
“Look... I hate doing this, Raven, because you are an extraordinary woman... you don't know how bad I want to live out those fantasies with you.... I really, do,” he stresses huskily, before clearing his throat. “But, I received an offer today that I can't refuse and it is conditional... so I can't say any more than I've said. So, good luck with everything and if I know you, you'll be able to pull this off. I wish things could be different.”
“Greg!” I scream as the contact line goes dead. Greg hangs up the phone.
“What in the—?” I mumble underneath my breath as Lola walks through my door with files in her hand.
“I need your signature on these...” Lola’s words fall to the floor as she notices my mood. “Raven, what's wrong?”
“Greg just called to tell me he won't be able to complete my bucket list with me... What the hell am I going to do now?” I ask, staring at my cell in disbelief.
Lola doesn't answer. Her silence prompts my eyes to scroll away from the phone and look at her. Ordinarily she would be in dire straits asking questions, using obscenities, yelling, but then, she would settle down and come up with some kick ass solution to whatever my problem is .... but now, she's just quiet.
“L-o-l-a? Did you hear what I said?”
“I heard you,” She says robotically, meandering to the couch to sit down. She reveals nothing after that, she just takes out her phone, looks at the screen, before placing it back in her pocket. Her silence and strange behavior is making me angry and very suspicious.
“What is going on with you? And don't you dare say that it's nothing. You haven't been yourself all day and your reaction to this news is all the evidence that I need.”
Lola's face turns a bright red as she places the papers on the couch next to her. “If I tell you something... will you promise not to overreact?” she asks before a knock on the door halts her next words.
My eyes don't leave hers. “Come in.”
Julie comes in with a long black velvet box and an envelope. “This came for you a minute ago,” she says, laying the package on my desk before looking between me and Lola with a concerned look on her face.
“If there's nothing else... I’m leaving for the day,”
“Go home. You worked hard today, thanks Julie. Have a splendid night,” I respond curtly as she looks between us one last time before walking out of my office.
Once the door closes, my attention turns back to Lola. “Spill, Lola!”
Lola shakes her head in opposition. “Nope. Not until you see what’s in the package then I'll tell you everything.”
“LOLA!” I scream in perplexity as she defiantly folds her arms across her chest.
“Please, Raven, just open the goddamn box!”
I snatch the velvet box from the table and peek into the rectangular box. It’s a necklace made from candy, just like the candy jewelry all the junior girls wore in the neighborhood all the time.
“What is this?” Shaking my head, I’m still not putting the pieces together.
”Read the card.”
I grudgingly respond to her imperative statement by grabbing the letter opener from my desk, slitting the seal open. Anything to put an end to all this madness.
Dear Raven,
Do not blame Lola for this, I asked her for her help. She was apprehensive at first, but after I told her how I felt, she helped me. But I take full responsibility for this. Although I recognize I apologized for demanding that you stop this, I, in no way, promised to stay out of it... to watch you do it. So, I contacted all the gentlemen involved and persuaded them, if they were selected, to turn you down. I realize that this might upset you and that I've possibly lost you forever, but I’m begging you to come to dinner tonight anyway, so I can explain. No matter how angry you are, admit that there is something developing between us... and it started going on the night we kissed almost three years ago, but if I’m being honest, it’s been brewing in me well before then. Please allow me the opportunity to confess why I left you, and then maybe you'll understand why I did what I did, and why I do not what another man's hands on you. If after tonight, you elect to have nothing else to do with me, I will respect your wishes. But if you forgive me, I will be the fellow doing this for you... I bought this stringed candy, so we can start tonight. I want to open with #9 on your bucket list because I prefer to take my time with you. We should make love, not because it’s something to mark off a bucket list, but because we both crave it. I will regain your trust, so we can explore what this is between us. You need a man who will focus on your pleasures. I intend to be the guy who’ll exist solely for your fantasies: with a singular interest of making, you happy holistically... sexually and emotionally. Your pleasure will be my number one priority. Give me a chance...
Forever,
Hugh
“Lola! What the hell did you do?!”
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