Page 24

What was I going to do now? I was stuck in a city where I couldn’t even move freely because I’d become an unwanted sensation and in the worst way possible.
“You look stressed out.” I turned sharply to find Sam standing at my doorway with a plate of cream buns in her hand. I sighed as I relaxed my shoulders and walked closer to her. I picked up a bun.
“Just got off a call with my actual agent,” I mentioned while bringing the snack to my mouth. I took a bite, making sure not to let the filling spill as the sweetness burst into my mouth.
“Wait, he finally answered?” She dropped the plate on my dresser.
I shook my head. She waited for me to finish with the bite I took before speaking. “Sheanswered.”
“She?”
“His sister. Apparently, he got hit by a vehicle on his way to meet me.”
She hissed, her eyes scrunching as if she were experiencing physical pain. “That’s dark.”
I nodded, taking another bite.
“What about your documents? His things should be with someone.”
“Apparently, they got lost during the accident.”
“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me. And the company, what are they saying?”
“I didn’t call. I doubt they’d be of any help. From what I understand, each agent works independently. Losses aren’t the company’s liability.”
“Well, there’s no way you’re asking a hospitalized man for your money back, and someone’s got to do something,” she flared.
I looked up at her. “Honestly, Sam, I’m just really tired at this point. I’m happy I was able to reach him at least. Now, I can stop feeling stupid for getting scammed.”
She nodded in understanding, picking a bun and handing it to me. “Cream bun?”
I smiled as I took it from her. “Can you give me your brother’s number? I need to get that out of the way as quickly as possible.”
She smiled. “Sure, I can give you my brother’s number.” She retrieved her phone from her back pocket.
I rolled my eyes while taking a bite of the bun and turned around to pick up my phone. She shared the number, and I proceeded to dial it.
“You’re calling him already?” Sam asked.
I nodded.
“I’ll give you both some privacy then.” She smiled as she began closing the door.
“Take the buns with you. I did a lot of work to fit into that ridiculously tight wedding gown. I’m not letting it go to waste.”
She laughed, grabbing the plate and closing the door.
“Hello?” The voice made me jump. I didn’t realize when he answered.
“Oh, hi, it’s Olivia, Sam’s friend.” The line was silent. “I wanted to apologize for how I behaved this morning, but by the time I came back, you were already gone.”
“Okay then.”
“No, wait! Look, I know we got off on the wrong foot, and it’s totally my fault. I want to make up for it. Perhaps we could meet up?” What the hell was I asking all of a sudden? This was supposed to be a simple apology.
“There’s no need for that.” His voice was firm.
“Please, I insist.” There was a long pause, and I had to check if he ended the call on me. He hadn’t.