Ties

Chapter Twelve

"Blaze!" I yell out, hearing the front door slam shut, echoing through the apartment—ten minutes late. I told him to be home by seven.

I do a final once over in my full-length mirror, scrutinizing the red lace sleeveless top, black pants, and heels. Hair pinned in a high ponytail. Totally conservative-ish. I don't wanna give Russell the wrong idea, not trying to lead him on, thinking this is anything more than our usual arrangement. I didn't even want to go, but Briar is incredibly insistent and persuasive—I'm not sure why I agreed?

She'd guilted me by saying she never goes out anymore; I get it. Doesn't have many girlfriends to hang with; I can relate. Promised free drinks and a great night. I said no, about ten times, but here I am, throwing on earrings and a bracelet, ready to meet up with my friend.

In reality, I rarely go anywhere. I try to schedule business meetings over lunch, occasional dinners. A Friday evening primping to hit some swanky new club isn't my norm.

I'd debated canceling, but I don't have Briar's number. When I mentioned it to Gloria—my sixty-seven-year-old neighbor—she offered to hang out with Blaze, told me to go live a little. Actually, she suggested I get laid, which is a possibility.

Russell and I have been on-again, off-again, for a while. Mostly knowingly using each other for a date when needed, followed up occasionally with some fairly uneventful, missionary-style sex. We have a mutual understanding. He's a nice guy; handsome and sweet. His busy schedule as a physician is hectic like mine, so it works out alright.

As for Chaz being there. Well, I'll just do what I've done this entire week—ignore him.

It shocked me he'd been able to get meetings on the books so easily with two companies that have both shot me down time and time again. His emails were very professional, not a single lewd comment, no suggestive flirtations or antics... Fine by me.

"I told you seven." I'm met with a flushed, sweaty face that I reluctantly pull my hand from, halting my—admittedly—overbearing ways. "What were you doing?"

"Some bossy lady wanted my help carrying bags and stuff to the top floor. I tried to say no, because... stranger danger, but she threw it at me and gave me ten bucks." He shrugs. "I felt bad. She had two little kids." Blaze plops down on the sofa, kicking off new sneakers, grabbing his game controller.

I drop it, knowing I have to give him space to go out and be a kid. However, with his history, it's easier said than done. "It finally sold?" I ask, grabbing my purse, double-checking my teeth for lipstick in the hallway mirror. We've only been here a few months. The penthouse held a hefty price tag, so it's no surprise it sat open for a while.

"Guess so." He lifts a noncommittal shoulder, headset in place, ready to get lost in hours of screaming at the TV.

My eyes roll at his minimal response. I swear kids and video games—addicted! "I won't be too late. Gloria will pop in shortly."