Page 112 of Angel

“Seriously!” Her eyes widen. “And you are just telling me this now!”

“I hoped he may call, you know, ask you out on a date or something.”

“I can’t believe it.” She groans, “I really wish you would have told me that.”

“Why?”

“Because I did get a text a couple of weeks ago and thought it was some freak call.”

“What did it say?”

“Something along the lines of, hey, your friend gave me your number and thought it would be okay for me to message you and ask you out on a date. Do you like sushi or Italian? The choice is yours.”

“Why did you think that was a freak call?”

“Because this city is full of freaks and it wouldn’t be the first one I got.”

She rolls her eyes. “I replied with, why would I want to spend any time with a freak like you, you weirdo? You’re probably married anyway and cheating on your wife and I have a few issues with cheating partners and would probably dine on your balls instead. So, back off, I’m blocking your number and never contact me again.”

Despite the agony on her face, I burst out laughing and as the tears run down my face, she joins in.

“I would have loved to see his face.”

I choke out and she groans. “What if it was him? Fuck my life.”

She scans the room and sighs. “He’s not even here stalking you today.”

“Who is?”

“Another guy pretending he isn’t watching you. Same pose, pretending to play with his phone while scanning the joint. It must really suck being you, Sophie.”

For a second, I detect a sympathetic expression in her smile and share it. Yes, I am protected and every move I make scrutinized but it’s a small price to pay for the life I lead.

“Don’t feel sorry for me.”

I reassure her.

“I have never been happier. Jason cooks for me most evenings, we chat about our day and watch movies and chill like any other couple. He treats me right, and when the door closes on the world, we are just like any other couple. I love my life with him.”

“Any other couple.” She tosses her eyes.

“Yes, we all live in zillion dollar penthouses with the hottest guy in Los Angeles, who did I mention is a freaking billionaire.”

“Talking of him, he’s taking me to meet his father this evening. Apparently, he is heading off tomorrow on vacation and has been hassling Jason to introduce us.”

“He has a father?”

She shakes her head. “I thought men like that were manufactured. You mean, somebody actually conceived that human? If he is like his father, please introduce us and not merely ask him to text me.”

“I never knew you had a thing for older men.”

“If he’s a silver fox then sign me up. I’m done with the kids. They don’t know how to treat a lady. I bet his father does. Wait!” She stops and frowns. “Then he must have a mother, there’s always a catch.”

“She died.”

“That sucks. What happened?”

“Cancer, I believe. He was a few years older than I was when I lost my parents.”