Not Planning on You (Danvers #2)(57)

When she woke sometime later the clock showed five in the morning and a quick check of her phone showed no missed calls or messages. What the hell? Her gut clenched as a sick feeling came over her. He’d never missed calling when he said he was going to and didn’t he understand how she’d feel knowing he was going out with Reva? It wasn’t like Gray to be this thoughtless. She knew that Nick and Beth would still be asleep so she turned on the television and watched Sports Center. The news would probably have her crying.

After what seemed like hours, it was time to get up and get ready for work. She’d never been more grateful to have somewhere to go than this morning. Nick and Beth tried their best to cheer her up during breakfast and the ride to work, but finally they gave up and just shot her concerned looks when they thought she wasn’t looking. Truthfully she just wasn’t in the mood to talk or joke about it this morning.

As soon as they arrived at work, she gave Beth some paperwork to take care of and closed herself in her office. Come on, shake it off. You can’t keep moping around like a love-struck teenager every time Gray doesn’t call. Since when have you made someone the center of your life? Remember, babe, smoke and mirrors.

Around nine her cell phone rang and she saw Gray’s name on the caller-id. She took a deep breath, trying to make sure her voice was up-beat and answered the phone.

Chills went down her spine as she heard the sexy timber of Gray’s voice on the other end. “Hey baby, how are you?”

“Um, hey there.” Suzy rolled her eyes at the sound of her breathy voice on the phone. Could you be more pathetic?

“God, I miss you so much, baby.”

Um hello, I’m waiting to hear your reason for not calling me after your date last night? Can we cut the small talk and get on with the program please? Maybe I should just throw it out there. I can’t do another minute of love talk until I know what happened.

“So how was your dinner last night with Reva?”

Was she imagining it or was there a brief pause before he spoke? “It was fine, honey; things are very civil between us now. I’m sorry I didn’t call you last night, but something came up.” That something that came up better not be attached to your body, slick.

“Oh, nothing major I hope?”

“In the end no it wasn’t. Reva wasn’t feeling well when we finished dinner so I took her back to my place to make sure she was going to be ok. I live close to the hospital so it only made sense. It had gotten so late by that time that I let her use my guest room rather than going back across town.”

For one of the few times in her life, Suzy could think of nothing to say. What did he expect her to say to that?

“Suzy, baby, are you still there?”

Suzy could hear the edge of what almost sounded like panic in his voice.

“Sure, I’m here. Where is Reva now?”

“I dropped her at home this morning on my way to the office.” Then releasing a deep breath he asked, “Honey are you upset over this? I certainly couldn’t blame you. I want you to know though that there was nothing even remotely romantic that happened the entire evening. Reva never said or did anything out of line nor did I. Hell, it’s almost like ironing out a business deal with a customer.”

“Except the customer isn’t usually carrying your child, right?”

“Suzy…”

“Gray, don’t. Please just don’t. I can’t continue this conversation without sounding like a total shit and I really don’t want to do that. Are you still coming home Friday?”

“Ah, baby, you know I am. I wouldn’t miss your birthday for anything.

“Here’s what I want Gray. Let’s not talk on the phone for the rest of the week.” Suzy continued on despite the protests that he was already making. “No listen, I’m not trying to break up with you, I’m just giving you the time you need to handle your business there. Gray, I love you, but I can’t hear about Reva right now. I don’t want to know that you’re taking her to dinner and that she’s sleeping over, it’s just too much for me at this point. I need time to adjust and so do you.” She lowered her voice and said, “I’ll miss you this week and I can’t wait to see you.”

“Suzy, this is killing me. I know I’m hurting you and I can’t stand it. I’m trying to do what’s right and I don’t even know what that is anymore. I’ll give you the time you need this week, but come Friday night, I want you in my arms again. I love you, baby.”

Tears trickled down her cheeks as she ended the call. Was she making a mistake? Maybe it was better to know what was going on in Charleston than to sit here letting her imagination run wild. Good grief, suck it up buttercup. You’re sitting at your desk crying at work. Get over it. You can do this. Go do what you do best, shop. Buy something sexy for Friday and pretend that Gray is just away on business this week. Put your head up and your shoulders back, you’re better than this drama.

Ok, I’ve got this. Suzy picked up the phone and dialed Beth. “Hey, let’s go shopping during lunch. I need a new dress for Friday. Invite Ella if you like and I’ll ask Claire. It’s time for some retail therapy.” When she hung up the phone with Beth, she dialed Claire’s extension. “Hey girlfriend, how’s it waddling?”

Claire chuckled. “My baby and I are just fine Suz, thanks for asking.”