The Secret Billionaire

Chapter 6

ERIS

I hadn't seen Nathan for a couple of days. Not even for his morning runs. I missed seeing him, and I was contemplating whether or not I should ask for him.
I had never been to his building, but I knew they had receptionists. It shouldn't be that hard. Wait, what's his last name? Even if I did go in to ask for him, I don't think they would give me any information about him. He hasn't come by my work for coffee either. Maybe he finally realized how bad the coffee is. Or perhaps I spooked him by asking about his parents.
I haven't heard from Darius, apart from a couple of text messages. One time he said he was going to come over, and I had to make up an excuse. I don't want to see him, nor do I want him back into my life. I didn't know how to tell him without upsetting him. I didn't want him showing up ready to beat me up until I promised not to lie to him anymore.
I looked back at the tall building in front of me. Maybe I should check if Nathan is home. What if I freak him out? I don't want him to think I am a stalker. I mean, checking on him as friends wouldn't hurt. I grabbed my keys and made my way over there.
I stopped repeatedly telling myself I was crazy for trying to do this. I made it to the front of his building and stood there looking up at it. This is crazy. People were coming in and out of the building. Just go up to the desk and ask.
"You're just making sure he is okay," I mumbled.
"Eris?" I heard as soon as I took my first step. I turned around and saw Nathan walking toward me with a bag in his arms. "What are you doing here?"
"Just checking on you. I haven't seen you in a while," He furrowed his eyebrows, and I cleared my throat. "At the coffee shop. Yup, I was making sure you still get coffee," smooth.
"I was out of town for a couple of days on a business trip,"
I wonder what he does for a living? I mean, he lives in this beautiful building and takes work trips. It must be something good, right?
"Right, of course! How else are you supposed to pay the bills?" I laughed awkwardly, and he smiled. "Well, nice to know you're doing good. Anyways I have to go,"
I began to return to my house, but I didn't want him to see where I lived. I stood there and pretended to be busy on my phone. His phone rang, and he looked down at it. I started taking pictures of the buildings around me, and from my peripheral vision, I saw him walking away.
I quickly made my way back and up to my apartment before he came back. There was a paper taped to the door. I grabbed it and stepped inside. On top, in big letters, it said
'Important notice.'
"Attention all residents, The Hudson building has been sold. All residents will have two weeks to vacate the building. This is your first official notice. Last month's payment will be refunded when you turn in the key." I read it out loud.
That's it? We had to leave? And we only had two weeks to do it? I placed the paper on my table and frowned. Where am I supposed to go? It was hard to find a place this cheap and close to work.
My phone rang, and the caller id said, Darius. I didn't want to deal with him, but he wouldn't stop calling if I didn't answer.
"Hello?"
"Eris! How are you doing?"
"I'm fine,"
"I was wondering if you're home. That way, I can come over and maybe hang out?"
I didn't want to be alone with him. I don't want him to lose his temper with me anymore. At least when I move away, he won't know where to find me anymore.
"Yeah, you know what, I was about to head out," I slapped my forehead. I have always been a lousy liar. Most of the time, he knew when I wasn't telling the truth. That would earn me some brutal beatings.
"Let me come with you! I mean, if you're going out with Stacy again, you might need protection,"
I laughed nervously. I looked around, trying to come up with a lie, but I didn't know what to say.
"I think Stacy and I will be fine. We are just going out for dinner, nothing big," He sighed and then laughed.
"Let me know when you change your mind. I'll be waiting," He hung up, and I let go of the breath I didn't know I was holding in. I need to find a way to get him out of my life again.
I flopped down on the couch and grabbed my phone. I looked at the card Nathan gave me with his number a couple of days ago. If I text him right away, will it make me look desperate? Fuck it.
I texted him and threw my phone across the couch. I grabbed the tv remote and turned it on. I got up to get some snacks, and when I returned, I noticed my phone screen was on. I ran to grab it and saw the message.
Who is this?
There I go slapping my forehead again. I should've put who it was—great way to break the ice.
Sorry, it's me, Eris.
I groaned. I don't know why I tried so hard to make this work. I was making a big fool out of myself in front of a stranger, and I shouldn't make a big deal about it.
I'm kidding. I know who you are. I don't give my number to many people.
I laughed and shook my head.
So you have multiple phone numbers? Should I be worried?
No, I give my business number to less important people.
His text made my heart flutter. I guess I didn't reply fast enough because he texted me again. It still concerns me that he would have different phone numbers. Does this mean I am important to him?
What are you doing tonight?
Nothing. You?
Can I call you? I'm finishing up the paperwork, and it will be easier.
Sure.
Not a second later, my phone rang. I cleared my throat and picked up.
"Hello?"
"What are you doing?"
I could hear the papers shuffling and the pen scribbling in the background.
"Nothing, watching t.v. Can I ask you a semi-personal question?"
"Only if I can do the same," I smiled and nodded. I forgot that he couldn't see me.
"What do you do for a living?"
"I work here for the building I live in,"
"Like, you know the owner?" He chuckled, and my heart skipped a beat. How did he have so much power to make me feel this way? And with a simple chuckle.
"Something like that. Think of me as his right-hand man,"
"Wow, you're important then?" I clasped a hand over my mouth and winced. "That sounded less sarcastic in my head,"
"Don't worry about it. Yes, I handle a lot of his paperwork,"
"Wow," I pursed my lips. "Your turn," I was nervous to hear what he wanted to ask me.
"Are you interested in having a relationship with me?"
I was not expecting that.