Page 17 of Husband to Go
“Of course it is,” I huff. “What else would I do?”
“I don’t know,” Andi says. “Maybe take some time before jumping into anything. I mean, what’s going to happen if you storm to his place and scream at him? Does anyone react well when that happens?”
My friend has a point.
“Okay, well should I tell him off in a nice tone then? How do you even do that?”
“No, no,” scolds Andi. “I’m just saying don’t rush into anything. Maybe think about what you’re going to say a little first. Then tell him, and try to keep your voice normal. That way, you come off as being reasonable, and he sees your point of view.”
Oh okay. Yeah, that sounds like a good strategy actually. I thank Andrea for her input, and then say goodbye and hang-up, ready with a new purpose.
I can’t let my mother get into a bad marriage that I can easily prevent. Not even Veronica deserves that. Besides, maybe her attempts at seeming “motherly” were genuine, what with her offer to make me chicken soup and whatnot. Granted, it’s out of character, but maybe she really wants to be a better person in this upcoming marriage. Could the fourth one be the charm? If she just picks the right guy, maybe.
I get out of bed and pick out jeans and a t-shirt. I’ve been wearing so many things that just aren’t me. That skanky outfit I wore Friday, and the pink explosion my mom had me in on Sunday. It feels good to be dressed like myself again.
As I’m pulling up my jeans, I think about where I can find Tanner. He’s not living with my mom, so that’s a no-go. And I can’t exactly call Veronica for his address. She’d know something is up.
Maybe his office?
I unlock my phone and google his name. The information I want is easy to find. His office is close to Lincoln Center, so I can get there easily.
But there are a few other things on the internet about Tanner Logan that intrigue me. Like how he’s the head of Logan Properties. Even I, with my limited knowledge of New York real estate, have heard of the company, mainly because they won the bid to renovate the library uptown.
Hmmm. Veronicadidsay he was a billionaire, but I thought she was exaggerating. Surprisingly, she wasn’t, at least according to this Forbes list of the richest guys in New York.
I take a taxi over and soon find myself in front of his office. It’s in one of those beautiful buildings made almost all out of glass. But then, when I get inside, the lobby somehow one ups the exterior. Whoever designed this place went all out with the polished floors, marble reception, and high, vaulted ceiling. Businesspeople stride around, their voices hushed as they surely discuss important financial events. Meanwhile, I stick out like a sore thumb in my jeans and t-shirt.
I go over to the receptionist, already crazy intimidated. Having to see Tanner has my nerves frayed. The last two times we met, we engaged in naughtiness. I refuse to let it happen a third time, but what if I lose control? After all, it’s happened before.
I stand in front of the receptionist’s desk. I’m waiting for her to notice me, but she’s totally absorbed in whatever’s on her computer.
“Hi, I’m here to see Mr. Logan,” I clear my throat.
“Do you have an appointment?” Her eyes don’t leave the screen at her response, but at least she’s talking to me.
“Um, no, but he’s about to marry my mom, and there are some things I needed to talk to him about. Regarding the wedding,” I say in a meaningful tone. She finally looks up from her computer to give me a once over.
“Hmm, so your mom’s the one that trapped him, huh?” I’m a little taken aback by her bluntness, but just nod.
“I guess,” I nervously chuckle. She looks bored again.
“You can go up to his office and wait for him there. He’s in a meeting right now, but it should wrap up soon. He’s on the top floor in the office marked ‘Tanner Logan.’ It’s hard to miss.”
After giving me my instructions, she goes back to ignoring me. It takes me a second to realize that our conversation has ended, and I’ve been dismissed.
Heading over to the elevator, I glance at all the people in the lobby. They all look super fancy, a crowd very much not my own, with their expensive haircuts and thousand dollar suits. I’m sure my mom loves this stuff.
I make my way to the top floor and find Tanner’s office. Just like the receptionist said, it’s empty.
I take this chance to explore. There aren’t many personal decorations. He doesn’t have a photo of my mom on his desk, nor a photo of the two of them together. In fact, I don’t see any personal pictures at all. Instead, the desk is totally clear and there are no knickknacks whatsoever, as if he’s made no move to personalize this space.
My eyes skim the walls and I notice a strange painting. It’s a mix of earthy colors that I think form some kind of image, but I can’t figure out what. I am trying to figure out the symbolism of the abstract art, when I hear the door open.
“Hello, Kylie.”
I almost jump out of my shoes at his voice. I know this is Tanner’s office, but he’s startled me. He looks amused while walking in with a folder that he plops down on his desk.
“Hi,” I whisper back. He raises his eyebrows before sitting down in his chair. I don’t know what to say. I had a whole speech planned out, with multiple points and rebuttals. But now, seeing him, my mouth goes dry, and my mind has literally run out of words.