Page 49 of Big Daddy to Go

17

Lexi

I’m making my best effort to quickly finish work for the day so that I can head over to Kane’s. The new client I’ve been assigned to is rambling on about her apartment entryway.

“I want people to instantly feel welcome when they walk through the door,” she gushes. The strange hat on her head bobbles up and down with every word.

“Okay, well—”

She cuts me off. I haven’t been able to get a word in for the past forty-five minutes.

“Like maybe a little nook that holds robes and slippers,” she brainstorms, her eyes widening with excitement.

“Alright, and maybe a humidor and a martini bar on the other side.”

I’m joking, but Mrs. Chatsworth lights up at the idea. Some of these rich people spend their money on the oddest things. I bet that hideous hat on her head cost a few thousand dollars, if not more.

I’m relieved that Kane has impeccable taste. His penthouse is decorated nicely—nothing too flamboyant or tacky. But it’s all a little too clean and crisp. It sometimes looks like no one lives there. I wonder if he’ll let me add some personal touches for him as our relationship progresses.

I zone out, thinking about Kane, as Mrs. Chatsworth talks about adding an oversized fountain to the sitting room.

During lunch, I’d called my mother and finally confessed I’m seeing someone new.

“You are? I knew you were hiding something! Who is he?”

“His name is Kane, and yes, I met him at a bar, but—”

“Oh, Lexi. What kind of trash is this guy?”

“Mom,” I whine. “He’s a perfect gentleman.”

I smirk to myself, thinking he’s a perfect miscreant in the bedroom, too, but I keep that information to myself.

“When do I get to meet this Kane?”

“Soon,” I promise.

I still want to warn her that Kane looks like Jason, but I also want to warn Kane, too. I haven’t been open with him at all about the engagement or about being stood up at the altar. I guess I’m afraid he will think less of me, or that something must be wrong with me for someone to break-up with me in such an awful and humiliating way.

I snap out of thoughts of Kane and what my mother’s reaction will be to meeting him and instead try to focus on the rambling woman in front of me.

“Alright, Mrs. Chatsworth,” I interrupt the client. “I will be by your place tomorrow morning.”

I manage to dodge Renata and head out of the building as quickly as possible. On my way to Kane’s, I stop at the bakery to get dessert. I also grab flowers from a street vendor.

When I arrive at Madison Park Square Tower, the doorman recognizes me.

“Hello, Miss Smith,” he greets. “Mr. Jones told me to expect you. Go right on up.”

“Thank you,” I smile at him.

He presses the button on the elevator for me since my hands are full between my purse, the flowers, and the cake I bought. He reaches inside the elevator once the doors open and presses the button to the penthouse for me as well. I thank him again as the doors close.

I step off the elevator and knock on the door. It takes a moment before Kane opens the door. I immediately peck him on the lips and hand him the flowers.

“Gifts for the host,” I grin, holding up the cake.

Kane shuts the door and turns away from me without a word.