“Where are you? I’m at your building and Sammy said you and Laurel left. I thought you were sick.”
“I’m feeling a little better today and I told you I needed to go shopping. Remember? You told me to ask them because you didn’t want to go.”
“Sweetheart, it’s not that I didn’t want to go. I just thought it would be fun for you girls to do it together. And you didn’t take my card I left on the dresser for you the other night.”
“I don’t need it. I can buy my own clothes. Thank you.”
“Why didn’t you text me back this morning?”
“I woke up late and had to hurry and get ready. I was going to text you later.”
“Speaking of later, how about doing something tonight?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m already getting tired and I’ll probably just sleep when I get home.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, I have plans for us tomorrow, so I’ll be coming by to pick you up at noon.”
“What plans?”
“It’s a surprise. One I think you’ll like very much.”
“Okay. I have to finish trying on these clothes. I’ll talk to you later.”
I ended the call before he could say another word. Hopefully, I’d be over my anger with him by tomorrow. But I wasn’t so sure. Charlotte met up with us and I explained everything that was going on to her. I could see the look in her eyes of disapproval. She still never fully trusted Grayson.
After we finished shopping, I headed home and Sammy helped me with my bags.
“Wow. It looks like you went on quite a shopping spree.”
“I needed all new clothes, Sammy. This baby is growing every day.” I placed my hand on my belly.
“I can see that. Mr. Rhodes stopped by earlier and was looking for you.”
“I know.” I rolled my eyes. “We’re having a little spat right now. Or actually, I’m a little irritated with him.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. If you ever want to talk, you know where to find me.”
“Thank you, Sammy. You just might be sorry you said that.” I smirked.
“Somehow, I doubt that, Harper. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
I hadn’t heard from Grayson except earlier in the afternoon when he called me. I sat on the couch, turned on the Gilmore Girls, and wondered what he was doing. Hell, I didn’t care. Okay, maybe I did, but I wasn’t about to text him and ask. He said he’d pick me up tomorrow, so I’d just wait to talk to him then. What surprise could he have planned for me?
Grayson
I had Julius over for a guy’s night since Harper still didn’t want to see me. We ordered a couple pizzas, drank, and played a few games of pool.
“I’m taking Harper on a picnic tomorrow in Central Park.”
“Good boy.” He grinned. “She’s still mad?”
“I think so. I wanted to do something with her tonight, and she turned me down. See, this is the reason why I don’t get into relationships. All of this is such bullshit.”
“But your relationship isn’t real. So why do you care if she’s mad at you?”
“Because. What if she breaks up with me and then I don’t get my company?”
“She isn’t going to break up with you. She loves you. She’s just upset. She’ll get over it after the picnic tomorrow. Then you can go on pretending to care about her and upsetting the balance of her life once you get the company and dump her.” His eye narrowed at me.
“Thanks, bro. I appreciate your honesty.” I glared at him.
“Just remember, she’s the mother of your child.”
“Knock it off, Julius.” I hit the eight ball in the left corner pocket.
After Julius left, I checked my phone to see if Harper had texted me. She didn’t. What the fuck. I sighed as I poured myself another drink and took it out to the terrace where I stared out into the brightly lit city. Damn it. I needed to make sure she was okay, so I sent her a text message even though it was late, and I was sure she was sleeping.
“Hi sweetheart. I was just checking in to see how you’re doing?”
I stared at my phone and impatiently waited for the three dots to appear. Nothing.
“You must be asleep. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. I miss you.”
Hopefully seeing those messages when she wakes up will put her in a better mood.
Chapter 34
Harper
The moment I woke up, I grabbed my phone and read Grayson’s messages. He was making an effort, so I decided to text him back.
“Good morning. I miss you too. See you at noon.”
I had just finished curling my hair when there was a knock on the door. Opening it, Grayson stood there holding a bouquet of a dozen red roses in his hand.
“Hi.” He smiled.
“Hi.”
“These are for you.”
“Thank you. You shouldn’t have.”
“I wanted to.”
I took the roses from him and wrapped my arms around his neck as he held me tight.
“I hope you’re feeling better,” he spoke as he broke our embrace and kissed me.
“I am.” I smiled.
“You look absolutely beautiful. Is that a new dress?”
“It is.” I did a little twirl. “I bought it yesterday.”
“Well, it looks great on you. Are you ready to go?”
“Let me just slip on my shoes.”
We walked down to the lobby and Sammy gave me a wink and smile as Grayson and I walked out the door hand in hand.
“Good afternoon, Harper.” Damon smiled as he held the door open.
“Good afternoon, Damon. Thank you.”
I stepped inside and Grayson slid next to me.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see when we get there.” He grinned.
Damon pulled up to the entrance to Central Park. Climbing out, with the help of Grayson, it was the same entrance to get to Belvedere Castle. Damon unlocked the trunk and handed Grayson a blanket and picnic basket.
“A picnic?” I brightly smiled.
“Yes. We’re having a picnic in Central Park,” he spoke as he hooked his arm around me.
We set up in a quiet little spot on the lawn next to Belvedere Castle. The view was amazing, and I was quickly forgiving him. He opened the picnic basket, took out two plates, two bottles of water, some finger sandwiches, a quinoa salad, cut up fruits and veggies, cheese cubes and crackers.
“I can’t believe you did all this.”
“Why? Do you think I’m not capable of being romantic?” He smirked.
“No.” I laughed. “This is just awesome.” I threw my arms around him. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. So, tell me about your day with the girls yesterday.”
While we ate, we talked. We talked about my day, his day, music, certain poetry, etc. Everything but the reason why I was hurt and upset. I just needed to put it in the past and move on.
It was a beautiful sunny day with a light wind that swept across us every now and again. Grayson stretched out his legs, and I laid on my back with my head resting on his lap. It was a perfect picture. Apparently, someone else thought so because a nice older couple who appeared to be in their seventies stopped and asked if I would like them to take a picture of us like that.