"Hey-"
"I can't really talk right now, Daniel."
"Is everything ok?"
"Yeah, everything is fine, but I'm crazy behind with work."
"Is it because you came back for Laurence's funeral?"
"No."
"That's a yes."
"No, it's because I'm a massive procrastinator and I always leave until tomorrow what really should have been done yesterday. Or, you know, last week."
"I know you're trying to make me feel better about it, but I know it's because you came to England over the weekend."
"Daniel, it had nothing to do with that. Honestly, this is all because I was too busy salivating over an Oscar de la Renta gown that came into wardrobe last week and not paying any attention to what was in my inbox. Now, stop blaming yourself."
"..."
"Really?"
"Ok, ok, it was nothing to do with me."
"Glad you understand that."
"Mhm. So, do you need me to go?"
"Yes. No! Wait, there's something I need to tell you."
"You're pregnant?"
"Yes, absolutely, I am pregnant."
"A man can dream."
"Keep dreaming, then. What I actually wanted to tell you is that Vogue- British Vogue- is holding your article for a while. It was supposed to go out in the August edition, but now they've bumped it to September."
"Why the change?"
"Um..."
"Because I'm a Duke now and not just a measly Earl?"
"Something along those lines. They figured that more people would want to read about you now that you're one of the most eligible men in the UK. You've got a period of grace and then... Boom! You'll be a well-known face and name. Just you wait."
"I'd rather not, thanks. I like going under the radar."
"Just be careful, ok? Women are going to make up stories and they're going to want to get close to you. Crazy bitches will throw themselves at you. Don't let them."
"I won't. I'm not going to do anything to jeopardise what we have. Which reminds me! I never got the chance to give you the engagement ring I bought to propose to you with."
"We've got plenty of time, Daniel. Keep it until then."
"So... I can do the whole romantic proposal? Flowers- well, not real flowers- candles and cheesy music... the whole kit and caboodle?"
"If that's what you want. As long as they're not real flowers, I'm down with that."
"Shit. I need to actually plan this now!"
"Good luck with that. I'm a hard woman to please."
"Noted. Right, off you go to work. I've got some Googling to do! Love you, bye!"
"Ok, love you-"
[Call disconnected.]
"Bye?"
YOU ARE READING
"Hello?" Pt. 1
Short StorySophie Delaney was just minding her own business seeing in the new year from the peacefulness of her own home. Until one wrong number call changed that. Daniel Whitaker is furious. Beyond furious. How dare his girlfriend cheat on him, and with his...
