The Exception(45)

“I am really beat.” She sighed.

Taking my phone from the table, I sent Drew a text message.

“I’m sorry to bother you because I know you’re busy, but would it be possible to go look at the Harmonie Club now? Kristen is exhausted and I’m afraid she won’t make it until five o’clock.”

“Of course. I just finished lunch. Where are you?”

“A restaurant called Balthazar.”

“Ah. One of my favorite places. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”

“Thank you, Drew.”

“I’ll see you soon, baby.”

I sat and stared at the last word he typed. An uneasy feeling swept over me. He called me “baby” during sex, which was acceptable because it was spoken in the midst of hot steamy sex. But for him to call me that while not having hot steamy sex didn’t sit right with me.

“What’s wrong?” Kristen asked. “Did he say no?”

“No. He said he’s on his way.”

“Okay. What’s the look for then?”

“It’s just he called me baby.”

“Aw, that’s sweet, Jill. Why does that bother you?”

“Because we’re not in a relationship. Names like that are reserved for couples. Not for two people who are friends.”

Narrowing her eye at me from across the table, she spoke, “You mean two people who are having a lot of sex and spending the nights with each other.”

“We aren’t in a relationship.”

“Actually, you are. You’re in a sexual relationship. If you don’t want to be in any kind of relationship with him at all, then you need to stop f*cking him.” She graciously smiled.

“What if I don’t want to? He makes me feel incredible and sex with him is very addicting.”

“Then stop getting all pissed off when he calls you baby. You can’t have your cake and eat it too, Jill. I have a feeling that Mr. Drew Westbrook wants more from you than just a sexual relationship.”

“That’s too bad. I’ve made it very clear to him that I’m not interested in a relationship.”

She sighed. “Okay. Okay. Let’s go wait outside.”

Just as we stepped out the doors of Balthazar, Drew’s Bentley pulled up to the curb and Roland stepped out and opened the door for us.

“Hi.” I smiled as I climbed in next to Drew.

“Hi.” He grabbed hold of my hand.

Kristen climbed in and I immediately introduced them.

“Drew, this is my sister, Kristen. Kristen, meet Drew Westbrook.”

“Hello, Kristen. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise, Drew. Thank you for doing this for us.”

“No problem. It’s my pleasure to help you in any way I can. How was your lunch?”

“Lunch was good. The food was great and I ran into someone I know.” I smirked.

“Really? Who?”

“Jess.”

“Fuck. What did she say?” He slowly shook his head.

“She wanted to know why I was in New York and then asked me if you knew I was here.”

Rolling his eyes, he sighed. “What did you tell her?”

“That you knew because we ran into each other and then she said we should do lunch some time.”

“You’re not going to, are you?”

“Of course not. Why would I?”

Roland pulled up to the Harmonie Club and the three of us climbed out and went inside. Drew told the lady at the desk to alert Lester that we had arrived.

“Good to see you, Drew.” Lester smiled as they shook hands. “Follow me and I’ll show you what’s available.”

He took us up to the third floor where the Harmonie Room was located.

“Take a look around and let me know what you think. This room holds up to three hundred and fifty guests very comfortably. If you’re interested in having the ceremony here, we can accommodate you in the main dining room for an additional fee and you’re free to decorate it how you wish.”

“Thank you, Lester. We’ll let you know.”

Giving Drew a pat on the back, he stepped out of the room while we looked around.

“Wow. This is beautiful,” Kristen spoke. “I’m afraid to ask how much this would cost.” She bit down on her bottom lip.

“Don’t worry about the cost, Kristen,” Drew spoke. “Being a member, I get a discount.” He winked.

After looking around, Kristen agreed to have the reception and ceremony at the Harmonie Club. Things were coming together and I couldn’t be happier for her. After we climbed back into the Bentley, Roland drove us back to Kristen’s apartment.

“Are you coming up?” she asked me.

“I think I’m going to head home. You, my tired sister, need to go take a long nap.”

“True.” She smiled. “Call me later.” She leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Thank you again, Drew. You are a lifesaver.”

“You’re welcome. I’m happy you liked it.”





Chapter Twenty-Eight


Drew



After Kristen climbed out and shut the door, I placed my hand on Jillian’s cheek and stole a kiss.