Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
I grab a short, fluffy white robe from the foot of the bed and wrap it around me. I won’t give in to the temptation to turn the heat on since the vast amount of sunlight that floods my apartment once it has risen will raise the temperature in no time.
I walk over to my bedroom door and take a deep breath.
It’s been a struggle to sleep knowing that my husband is across the hall. I half-expected Daniel to find another place to stay by now. There isn’t a shortage of five-star hotels in Manhattan, and I happen to know that he has a handful of cousins in the city, but since his work should wrap up soon, he’ll be on his way back to California before I know it.
With a detour to Las Vegas, of course.
I exit my bedroom and pad down the hallway barefoot, headed straight for my coffee maker. I only make it a few steps before the aroma of a freshly brewed pot hits me.
Instead of turning around and racing to hide in my bedroom, I let my craving take the reins, and I keep walking toward the irresistible smell, even though I know that the treasure that awaits me won’t be just a cup of coffee, but I’ll likely see my husband, too.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach at that prospect.
Does he think I’m still fast asleep? Will I stumble on him wearing only boxer briefs and nothing else? Or does he sleep in the nude? Is there a chance I’m about to see my husband without a stitch of clothing on?
I up the pace of my steps, but the anticipation of seeing Daniel in half or all-naked glory comes crashing down in a puddle of disappointment.
All that’s waiting for me is a pot of coffee.
“Dammit,” I say under my breath. “He must be showering in his bathroom.”
I listen carefully, but the telltale sound of the old pipes creaking as water runs in the second bathroom isn’t there. The apartment is shrouded in silence, save for the pounding of my heart.
I walk toward the cupboard to reach for a mug, but an unexpected sight stops me partway.
I smile as I spot a piece of paper next to a small pink box.
Glancing over my shoulder to see if Daniel is in view, I shake off the nervous energy flowing through me and reach for the paper.
My first name is scribbled in masculine handwriting on the single piece of folded paper.
I unfold it and read the note written in black ink:
Mrs. Calvetti-Lawson (Compromise is always the key to a good marriage.),
I had to pull a few strings and hand over a lot of cash, but I got you something extra special for breakfast this morning.
Enjoy every bite.
Mr. Calvetti-Lawson (This compromise thing works both ways.)
P.S. I’m heading to Boston for a couple of days. I needed to be out of the door by 6 AM. It was a last minute client request, but we’ll talk about the return trip to Vegas as soon as I’m back.
A sudden wave of sadness mixes with a strange sense of relief as I read the note again.
A part of me is glad he’ll be out of my apartment for at least a day or two, but I wanted to talk about the annulment. I thought that would happen today, but for some reason, I’m happy that we won’t have that discussion until he’s back in the city.
I slide the box closer and open the lid.
I laugh out loud when I spot the single slice of decadent chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and a cherry on top.
It’s from Dobb’s Bakery in Brooklyn, which happens to be one of my favorites.
Unable to contain my excitement, I race back to my bedroom and grab my phone.
I ignore the dozens of notifications for new comments on my social media posts that have popped up since I left my bedroom. Instead, I scroll through my recent text messages until I spot Daniel’s name.
I quickly type something before I hit send, hoping that he’ll see it before he boards if he’s on his way to catch a flight.
Gina: Thank you for the cake.
It’s short. It’s simple, and it’s an honest note of gratitude.
His reply is almost instant.
Daniel: Anything to put a smile on the face of my bride.
I read his text before sitting on the edge of my bed to read it a second and third time.
It’s that last time that lures a single tear to my eye, because for a split second, I allow myself to imagine what it might be like to be married to Daniel without an annulment looming on the horizon.
With trembling hands, I type out a message to him and press send.
Gina: I hope the trip goes well. I’ll see you when you’re back in New York.