The Exception(40)

“Yes. Coincidentally, she is the woman who is renting my apartment and she hadn’t had a chance to go buy dishes yet, so I thought I would take her.”

“I’m confused. You met her in Hawaii and now she’s here in New York renting your apartment?”

“Yes.”

“And you like this woman?”

“Yes. I like her a lot. I can’t stop thinking about her for one second.”

“That’s sweet. I hope she’s better than Jess.” She made the sign of the cross.

“Jillian doesn’t even compare to that bitch. By the way, when we were in Bed Bath & Beyond last night, I ran into Jess. She was buying a new bed set because she couldn’t stand the thought of sleeping on the sheets that I had slept on.”

Jane rolled her eyes. “I would have told her to go buy a new bed.”

I chuckled. “I did.”

“Good boy.” She smiled as she held up her hand for a high five. “What time is Jillian coming over?”

“Around seven.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting the woman who has put such a beautiful smile on your face.” She winked.

“You’ll like her, Jane. She’s one of a kind. I’m going to go change.”

After changing out of my suit and into some casual clothes, I poured myself a drink and went into my office to look over some emails that had come in. Just as I finished answering the last one, I heard the doorbell ring. Walking over with a smile, I opened the door and, instantly, she took my breath away.

“Hi there.”

“Hi.” She smiled brightly.

“Come on in.”

“Thank you,” she spoke as she shyly stepped inside. “I brought a bottle of wine.”

“Thank you, but you didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to. It’s my way of saying thank you for dinner.”

I took the bottle of wine and led her to the kitchen.

“Jane, I would like you to meet Jillian Bell. Jillian, this my housekeeper, friend, and chef, Jane.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Jillian.” Jane smiled as she reached out and grabbed both her hands.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Jane.”

“Dinner is just about ready, so if you two go take a seat in the dining room, I’ll bring it out.”

I placed my hand on the small of Jillian’s back as we walked into the dining room.

“Your place is amazing.” She grinned as she looked around.

“Thank you. After we eat, I’ll show you around.”

Just as we sat down, I heard the doorbell ring and Jane answered it. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I had no clue who it could be.

“Well, hello there, Drew.” Liam grinned as he walked into the dining room.

“Liam.” I nodded. I knew why he was here.

“Hello, there.” He extended his hand to Jillian. “I’m Drew’s friend and next door neighbor, Liam Wyatt.”

“Nice to meet you, Liam. I’m Jillian Bell.” She politely shook his hand.

“As in daughter of Donald Bell?” He cocked his head.

“Yes. Do you know my father?”

“We met a few months ago at a business convention. He told me you were engaged to be married.”

Jillian took in a deep breath. “Well, that didn’t work out.”

“Are you living here in New York?” he asked.

“Yes. Actually, I’m renting Drew’s apartment.”

“Sweet. Welcome to the Big Apple.” He grinned.

“Not to interrupt, but is there a reason you stopped by?” I asked.

“Oh. Sorry. I brought the color book with the swatches for your bathroom. I gave it to Jane.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Placing his hands in his pocket, he spoke, “Well, I should get going. Avery and I are having dinner with Oliver and Delilah.”

“It was nice to meet you, Liam.”

“Nice to meet you too, Jillian.”

Getting up from my seat, I walked Liam to the front door.

“Dude. Jillian Bell? Really?”

“It’s a long story, and we’ll talk about it over drinks. Listen, do not mention to anyone that she’s living here in New York.”

“Why?” he asked in confusion.

“Because her parents don’t know where she is. It’s complicated. Just trust me.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t mention it to anyone. Have a good night and I want to hear all about her.” He pointed at me as he walked out the door.

“I promise to tell you everything.”

I walked back to the table and Jane had just set our plates in front of us. Jillian looked up at me with a smile.

“I can’t believe you had Jane make these delicious-looking burgers. That was really sweet, Drew.”

“It was nothing. I knew how much you loved the one at LAX. I can guarantee these are better.” I winked.





Chapter Twenty-Five


Jillian



The minute I bit into my burger, the juiciness and flavor overwhelmed me.

“Oh my God, this is so good,” I spoke.

Drew chuckled. “I’m glad you like it.”