CRUELEST SUMMER

9

Things are about to get wild

Lavender pov

A week later

My cell phone going off from the nightstand pulls me from my dreams. Oh, I would gladly miss work today and stay in this bed. The soft blankets caress my skin, and the warmth I feel from the body next to me.

It's Candice again, but she has a better understanding that I'm in absolutely no mental place for a relationship, and we agreed to keep this as a mutual fuck. We both needed a release, and I'd gladly give to get it.

Caleb has been situating things at the office for the meeting leading up to today's meeting with her.

I have already prepared my mind, and I'm not letting her in. This is strictly business- and cannot ever be anything more. My heart won't allow it.

I felt Candice shift next to me and cuddle into my back. Her hot breath fanned across my skin, sending goosebumps ripping. And that's my queue to leave. She would want more, and I mentally don't want to do it. I slip out of the bed and make myself presentable for work. I slip on a pair of slacks and a black blouse. I tried to keep my outfits basic, so I could easily mix them when one was dirty.

Making my way back into my room, I see that she's still sleeping, so I quietly slide out of the room and slide a pair of flats on. It was not my typical choice, but I wanted to look put together.

After arriving at the office, everyone was everywhere, getting things done, not just for her but for other clients I've taken on.

"Ms swift will be here in an hour," Caleb greets me in my office

"Don't remind me," I huff and open the cabinet

It's empty

"Where the fuck is my alcohol " I shoot Caleb a look

"I put it elsewhere so you would have a clear head for this meeting," he smirks

I slam the cabinet shut and sit at my desk, opening my emails.

"No, it would have taken the edge off- exactly what I need right now," I huff

Caleb is silent before he speaks

"You know we do have that yoga room dow-"

"Get out," I grit

He doesn't say another word, and I hear him slip, and then the door shuts with a click.

My phone ringing pulls me out of my daze, and I see it's my mom. I quickly pick up the phone and open it

"Hey, Mom," I sigh into the phone

"What's wrong?" she immediately asks

"Just work," I groan.

"Oh, I'm sorry- I was calling to see if you were coming down to Florida for the holidays," she asks

Shit

I forgot that's so soon, next month, to be exact.

"I think so," I say, putting my head into my hands

"Okay, bring your current boy toy," she laughs

"Ew, Mom, stop," I groan into the phone

"Is the business doing good?" she asks

I bite my nails, unsure of how to respond.

"It's booming with clients if that's what you're asking." I sit back in the chair.

The busy city of New York never stops being active. Someone somewhere always has somewhere to go and somewhere to be.

"What's the real issue?" she presses