After I made myself a cup, I grabbed the eggs from the refrigerator along with some tomatoes, spinach, onion and a green and red pepper and some cheddar cheese. Today’s breakfast would be a veggie omelet and toast.
“Perfect timing,” I said as I plated his omelet and buttered toast.
“This looks delicious. Thank you.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine.
We took our plates and sat on the stools at the island.
“I called Julius and we’ll meet him at Eleven Madison Park at six o’clock.”
“Okay. Sounds good. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“I hope you don’t mind but I made plans for us for today. You have nothing going on, do you? Again, I probably should have asked you first.”
“The only thing I have going on is spending the day with you.” A smile crossed my lips.
“I was hoping you’d say that. There’s a new butterfly exhibition over at the Museum of Natural History I’ve been wanting to see.”
“I heard about that. I like butterflies.”
“Good. Then we’ll go there first and play the rest of the day by ear. Sound like a plan?”
“Sounds like I plan.” I smiled.
After I finished my breakfast, I took a quick shower, applied some light makeup, and grabbed my jeans from my bag. As I pulled them on, I struggled to button them, but it wasn’t happening. Shit!
“What’s wrong?” Grayson asked as he saw me lying on the bed in my unbuttoned jeans.
“We have to stop at my place on the way to the museum.”
“Why?”
“Because my jeans don’t fit anymore. I can’t button them.”
He started to laugh, and I threw a pillow at him.
“I’m sorry but what did you expect? You’re pregnant. Eventually your clothes aren’t going to fit you anymore,” he spoke as he held out his hand and helped me up.
“I know but I didn’t think it would happen yet.” I pouted.
“Jeans are tight to begin with. Put on the pants you were wearing yesterday, and we’ll go to your place so you can change into a different pair. You’ll be okay.” He kissed my forehead.
We left his penthouse and stopped by my apartment on the way to the museum. I changed into a pair of black leggings, a tank top and a long cardigan. Spring had sprung in New York, and the need for a jacket was no longer needed. At least during the day.
We entered the museum and looked around before it was our time to enter the Butterfly Conservatory. I watched Grayson as he looked at the butterflies that flew around us with the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward.
“My mother loved butterflies,” he spoke. “We had a vacation home in Montauk that we’d spend our summers at and in the back yard she had a huge garden with at least twenty different butterfly houses. She’d spend most of the afternoon out there watching them and taking photographs. She said they were the most beautiful creatures on Earth. My father used to call her the butterfly whisperer, because when she’d go out in the garden, butterflies would land all over her. They made her happy.”
“That’s a beautiful memory.” I took hold of his hand.
“Yeah. I guess it is. Since we're in this beautiful place surrounded by butterflies and plants, I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”
“I would like it if we were exclusive.”
“Grayson Rhodes, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” I grinned.
“I suppose I am. And when you meet my grandfather, I’d like to introduce you to him as just that.”
“Yes.” I threw my arms around his neck. I’d love to be your girlfriend.”
“Phew. I was worried for a minute. I know this is moving a little fast.”
“Just a little. But when you know, you know. Right?” I kissed his lips.
Chapter 28
Grayson
I hated that word “girlfriend.” It was enough to make my skin crawl. But I had no choice. It had to be done. There were too many expectations from women who had the title. They wanted gifts, cute little love notes or text messages all the damn time. When you had a bad day and just want to be alone, they wanted answers as to why and when you didn’t give them, they accuse you of shutting them out. They want apologies first even though they were in the wrong because they are always right about everything. If you dare glance at another woman or even speak to her, they’re convinced your cheating on them. They think we’re mind readers and when we fail at doing something, they thought we should have done, they become psychotic. They think they should be number one priority and nothing else in the world should matter. Been there. Done that. Hence, the reason I stay as far away from relationships as possible. Now that Harper thinks we’re in a committed relationship, I can stop trying so hard. But I had to be careful and keep things working as smoothly as possible between us until I got my company.
We left the museum and because it was a nice day outside; she asked if we could go to Central Park for a while.
“Is there any specific area of Central Park you want to go to?” I asked her.
“Bethesda Terrace.”
We walked hand in hand through the entrance of the park and headed to Bethesda Terrace.
“Is there a specific reason you wanted to come here?” I asked as we approached it.
“This is the reason I moved to New York,” she spoke.
“You moved to New York because of this place?”
“Yes. My parents loved New York City and once a year, we’d vacation here for a week. This is where my father asked my mother to marry him. Right on these steps. He got down on one knee, told her how much he loved her and then asked for her hand in marriage. We’d come visit here every year. My mother’s face would always light up when she told me the story. After they passed away, I knew the only place I could ever be close to them again was here. Whenever I need to think or I miss them, I come here for a while. That’s why I attended NYU and never left New York after I graduated.”
“I’m sorry, Harper.” I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the side of her head.
“It’s my special place and I want to share it with my child and tell him or her all about their grandparents.”
I didn’t know what to say, so I just held her for a moment.
It was six o’clock on the dot when we walked through the doors of Eleven Madison Park. Julius hadn’t arrived yet, so I told the hostess to bring him to our table when he arrived.
“Hey, bro.” He smiled.
I got up from my chair and gave him a light hug.
“Julius, I’d like you to meet Harper Holland. Harper, this is my best friend, Julius.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Harper.” He smiled as he extended his hand.
“It’s great to meet you, Julius.”
He took his seat. While we both ordered bourbons, Harper ordered water and a decaf coffee.
“So, what is it you do?” she asked him.
I could sense the nervousness inside him.
“I’m a stockbroker for a capital management company on Wall Street.”