Beholden (The Belonging Duet, #2)(85)

Tristan is on his way over to have dinner and keep me company. He said we had to celebrate my one-month open office anniversary with wine and man-candy. I’m a little worried about what he means by the man-candy, but I’m going to go with it.

I’m sitting on my couch going over the proposal letters the new publicist I hired is sending out, when my computer pops up with a video call from Ashton.

“Biffle!” I yell as I accept the call.

“Hello, my gorgeous friend,” she smiles and I want to reach through the screen and hug her. “How’s my California girl?”

“Eh, you know,” I shrug.

“Nope, I sure don’t, because you never call me, twunt.”

“I’ve been busy and this time difference really makes it hard. Tell me about your life? Miss me?”

I figure if I can get her to talk about herself maybe she’ll back off me.

“I made some babies, met some guys, dumped them … you know, typical day.”

“Still breaking hearts. What about Mark?”

“Pffft. Mark is in Virginia.” She waves her hands in the screen. “Hello! I mean, you dumped your ridiculously hot boyfriend because you were a few states away.”

I roll my eyes and huff. “I think you need to go back to geography if you think New York to California is a few! It’s not even a few hours. It’s a damn near six hour flight.” I throw my hands up and give her the stank-eye.

“You’re being dramatic,” she smirks knowing she riled me up. “Miss me yet?”

“Not right now I don’t.” I give a forgiving smile. She knows I do and I know if there was any way I could make her come here I would’ve done it already.

“Tell me about the new clients.” Ashton practically bounces in her seat wanting juicy details.

I laugh and talk to her about the office, how much I’m decorating. All to which she waves her hands telling me to move it along. She should know better than to ask me about my clients. Of course I can’t resist taunting her a little bit.

“The new one we should sign this week you would die over.”

“Oh my God, Cat! Tell me! I’m dying here.”

“Now, you know I can’t do that, but I will tell you I’m really happy!”

“Bitch! Show me the apartment and what it looks like outside,” Ashton requests and her eyes glow.

“Okay.” I smile showing her how close I live to the beach.

We talk about the location and how I’ve found a few cute shops. In all honesty though, I’m doing well. I’ve become close with Tristan and his boyfriend, Logan, and one of the girls in the apartment next to me and I had drinks last week. I make sure to rub in the warm weather when she tells me how it’s starting to get cooler—but other than that I miss Jersey. The food, the friends, and him—all there.

“I think that’s normal,” she says with pursed lips. “You spent your whole life here, but it’s been a few weeks now. I think you’re doing really well. Have you heard from the Muffin Man?”

“No, after our last talk where he got insanely jealous over Tristan, we haven’t spoken.”

Leaning on her elbows she comes close to the camera. “Wonder why! You know he’s all sad you left his ass crying at the airport. Then not even two weeks later you’re joking about a guy. Stupid ass. I bet he’ll get his shit together though.”

“I don’t think so. It’s why I said it wouldn’t work.”

“Details, my friend. Well, have you guys spoken at all?” she asks curiously.

I huff and lean back. “I called and left a message, then a text, but I only got a quick text back. I miss him but I’m happy for the most part here. I don’t know that I’ll date anyone any time soon, but I have the beach, the sun, and I love being the boss.”

“You never know, you may meet someone. Just leave your heart open. For f*ck’s sake, the man has done some pretty big shit. I can’t see him sitting around New York giving up,” Ashton says with a raised brow.

“I don’t—”

I hear a thud at my door. “Caaaaaat,” Tristan whines at my door. “Let me in.”

“Speak of the devil. Hold on, you can officially meet Tristan.”

I jump up and answer the door, letting Tristan in. He looks better than he did this morning, but I take pity on him. “Come on, want to meet Ashton?”

“She’s here?” he instantly perks up.

I laugh and grab his hand pulling him into the living room. “No, but she’s on the computer.”

“Tristan!” Ashton squeals when she sees him. “Holy shit! You’re hot!”

I giggle and he puckers up to the screen. “You’re pretty sexy yourself. What do they feed you girls in Jersey? On T.V. they sure as hell don’t do you any favors.”

“Do not get me started,” Ashton says irritated by his comment. “I hate those stupid reality-my-ass shows. We are not like that. Fuhgeddabout it,” she says in her best Sopranos imitation.

“You don’t want to get her started.” I laugh and shake my head. “However, Ash, growing up we did think your dad was in the Mafia.”

“Yeah, I’m still not sure what he does for living,” she shrugs and we all laugh a little.