Page 16

Taylor

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Are you sure you’re gonna drink?” Jackie asks.

“Just a sip. I need to relax. What do you suggest?” I ask in return.

“A cocktail. Something really girly, nothing too strong.”

“You’re the bartender. Pick for me.”

It’s the first time I’m going to drink a whole cocktail. I’ve never really been interested in alcohol, but today, more than ever, I woke up feeling melancholic and missing my dad like crazy.

I haven’t seen William again, and my insecurity told me he was avoiding me, which is why he hadn’t been back to his grandmother’s house. But yesterday Mrs. Maryann mentioned that he’s out of town for a conference, where he’s one of the keynote speakers.

A few minutes later, Jackie hands me a Cosmopolitan, and I roll my eyes. “That’s so cliché. Are we going the full Sex and the City route?”

“Why not? We’re single and in Manhattan. Let’s drink in honor of the one and only Carrie Bradshaw,” she says, referring to one of the show’s leads.

Right as I reach for the drink, my phone buzzes with an incoming message.

I glance at the screen and can’t believe whose name is on it.

William.

Instead of reading it right away, I show my phone to Jackie. She snatches it from me and reads:

“ ‘Have dinner with me tomorrow.’ Wow, Taylor. Nobody can accuse your man of being subtle.”

I read the message in a low voice, remembering the way we parted last time. “What do I reply?”

“What do you want to reply?”

“I don’t want to play games. I miss him.”

“Then you want to answer like, ‘Yes, absolutely, I’d love to have dinner with you’? ”

“That’s it. But on the other hand, I know I shouldn’t.”

“Send him a pic of your drink, thank him for the invite, and tell him you’ve already moved on.”

“I can’t do that.” I pause. “I don’t want to do that.”

“What do you want?”

“I don’t know, but I’m not going to lie. I haven’t moved on.”

“Then show him your drink and invite him here.”

“What? Are you out of your mind?”

“Nope, I know what I’m doing, baby. Send a photo of the drink, mention the club’s name, and make your doctor sweat a little. If he’s really interested, he’ll show up.”

“And if he doesn’t come?”

“Then you’re lucky you’ve dodged a bullet, Taylor. Anyone worth it will make at least a bit of effort to be with you.”

I take a sip of the drink before following her advice. At least I won’t feel like a total fraud—I really am drinking and getting ready to have some fun.

I snap a picture, attach it, and write:

I’m at Vanity in Manhattan. Lots of fun going on here. Hope you’re also enjoying your night, Mr. Marshall.

I hit send right away before my courage can fail me.

“‘ Mr. Marshall’? ” Jackie repeats, not even hiding the fact that she’s reading over my shoulder. “So my hunch was right—your William is your boss’s grandson.”

“Yes. And I know what you’re about to say: we live in different worlds.”

“That’s as sure as the sun rising, girl. But if the jerk’s already stolen your heart, what harm is there in losing a few more pieces of it? Now let’s dance. You’ll find out soon enough if he wants more than just your body.”

“Him coming after me would mean something?”

“Oh, absolutely. Guys like him don’t usually bother chasing. Women practically fall at their feet by the dozen.”

I check my phone again, not convinced this is really going to work. “Get me on the dance floor, Jackie, or I’ll stand here obsessively staring at the screen.”

* * *

I have no idea how long we dance, but when we finally stop for a bathroom break, there are three messages on my phone.

“If I had a weak heart, this would do me in,” I tell Jackie after reading the first one.

“William?”

“Yeah.”

She gives me a high five. “What does he say?”

“He’s waiting for me in the VIP lounge on the third floor. I’m gonna tell him you’re coming with me.”

“No way. I wasn’t born to be a third wheel, baby. Don’t worry, I’ll figure out a way home. If you still want to crash at my place, just text me when you’re on your way, and I’ll wait for you in the lobby.”

I type out my reply, telling him I’m coming up, and after getting quick directions from Jackie about how to get there, I kiss her goodbye.

“You gonna hook up with your bouncer again?” I tease.

“Oh, no. I don’t repeat mistakes. If it was good for me, he wouldn’t be an ex. Have fun, and don’t forget to use protection.”

“Oh God.”

“Don’t be so na?ve.” She ribs me because she knows, deep down, I am. “Go and tame your billionaire. But if he acts like an idiot, come back to me. I’ll be on the dance floor for at least another hour.”

“Okay. Do you have any mints? I think I have boozy breath.”

She opens her purse and hands me a mint. Maybe not the best time to admit I’m feeling a little dizzy. If it were any other guy, in my current state, I’d keep my distance, but weirdly enough, I trust William.

I skirt around a few guys on my way, but the club’s huge and jam-packed, so I keep getting lost. After ten minutes of not making any progress, my phone vibrates. As soon as I unlock it, I see:

Mr. Marshall: Why are you taking so long?

Me: I’m lost.

Mr. Marshall: Tell me where you are. I’ll come get you.

Me: There’s a stage with a red cage in front, and girls are dancing inside it. It’s so funny.

Mr. Marshall: Are you drunk?

Me: I don’t drink, Mr. Marshall, I reply, then I let out a laugh.

Mr. Marshall: Stay right there, Taylor. I’m coming for you.