I flop onto the couch and hold the remote to the television. Looks like it’s a date with Netflix.
I flick through the movies. Now . . . what will I watch?
Wednesday
I walk through the shops on autopilot.
How do people actually like shopping? I would rather pull my teeth out than do this shit for fun.
My phone rings and I dig it out of my bag.
Miles Media
Ugh, Elouise.
I’ve spoken to Christopher’s PA more than I’ve actually spoken to him this week. “Hi, Elouise,” I answer.
“Hello, Hayden,” she replies happily.
“What’s happening?”
“Christopher asked me to call you.”
Of course he did.
“Yes.”
“He wanted me to let you know that he’s got a Zoom meeting at six tonight, so he will be home late.”
I roll my eyes. “Can you put me through to him, please?”
“He’s in a board meeting now that will be running late into the afternoon. I can get him to call you between that and his Zoom, if you like?”
“No, that’s fine.” I exhale heavily. “Okay, thanks for letting me know.”
“He also asked me to remind you that you have that meeting with Zoe this afternoon at two p.m.”
“How could I forget?” I mutter dryly.
She laughs. “I don’t envy you, that’s for sure.”
“Ugh, Elouise. How did I agree to this?”
“You’ll love it. Zoe has been Christopher’s personal shopper for many years; you’re in safe hands. And don’t forget you have that charity ball on Friday night.”
Ugh . . . don’t remind me.
“He’s trying to help,” she adds.
“Help me what? Go insane . . .”
“Buy up big, I say.” She laughs. “Spend it all.”
I chuckle. I do like Elouise. “Thank you.”
“And Hayden . . .”
“Yes.”
“Please call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” I smile. Christopher has Elouise on babysitting-Hayden duties. I swear the poor girl checks in with me twice a day.
“Have a good day.”
“Bye.”
I glance at my watch. An hour until I have to meet Zoe. I look around . . . I wonder where a bar is. I need wine for this shopping trip.
I sit in the bar along the window seat as I sip my wine. I’ve called my mom and Eddie, and I meet Zoe in half an hour.
I don’t know what’s going on with me, but time seems to have stopped in this city. I swear the days drag on forever.
“We’ve got her. There she is,” I hear someone yell from out on the street. “Miss Whitmore.”
Huh?
I glance up to see a flash, then another and another.
Almost blinding.
A large group of people clambers around as they take photos of me through the window. I duck and cover my face.
What the hell is going on?
Chapter 27