Chapter 8
1162 Words
Abraham’s POV
“It’s Hope. The girl from the mall.”
“Hope,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “It’s good to know you called.”
And truly it was. Stephanie had already forwarded her number to me during her background sweep but I hadn't intended to use it as I didn’t want to look like some stalker.
Approaching her at the mall had worked out perfectly and everything has gone even smoother, thanks to Sophia's endless posting.
“I like your voice over the phone,” I said lightly and she let out a tiny shy laugh.
“Thank you.” She responded, sounding flushed.
We continued talking casually for a little while before I finally asked if she would like to go shopping with me this evening. And then maybe go explore wherever she wants.
I knew she thought I was trying to ask her out and the idea amused me. However, I made sure to clarify things before going further.
“Once again, I'm not trying to ask you out, okay? I’m just being friendly,” I told her sincerely. “Nothing more.”
“You said that already,” she teased gently.
Before I could respond, her friend's unmistakably loud voice cut through the background.
“Yes! She’ll go with you!” Her friend said.
“Riley, stop!” Hope groaned.
I couldn't help but laugh as I listened to their playful banter over the phone.
Hope finally agrees but not before stating her own terms and conditions.
“I don’t really do well at night." She said. "I have issues with my eyesight and I can’t see once everywhere gets dark.”
“That's absolutely fine." I responded warmly. "We'll meet by 4 pm then and I'll bring you back early."
“4 sounds good,” she said.
We chatted for another second before I finally decided to end the okay.
“Okay… see you soon.” I said and she ended with a "bye."
I set my phone down, exhaled, and finally reached for my lunch. I had barely taken my first bite when Stephanie walked in with her laptop in hand while finishing a call with one of our clients.
“Was that Hope?” She asked as she hung up.
“Yeah,” I said, trying not to look too pleased. “She called by herself.”
“Mmm.” Stephanie gave me a knowing smirk as she sat across from me and just then, her phone buzzed.
“Oh. Sophia’s live again." She said as she opened her i********: and started watching the girls.
It seems the girls were already playing dress up in preparation for Hope's outing with me.
“Hope is going out with a sugar daddy!” Sophia yelled playfully on the live.
Hope, mortified, lunged for the phone and we watched the two of them struggle for the phone.
"Give it to me!" Hope said as she tried to reach it and Sophia kept saying "wait."
“Sophia! If you don’t—” Hope started and then the live ended abruptly.
I couldn’t help laughing as I watched the whole drama play out.
“They remind me of my university days." I said to Stephanie, laughing. "Except we had no phones then.”
“So, where are you taking her?” Stephanie asked.
“No idea yet." I responded as I kept on eating. "Do you have any suggestions for me?”
Stephanie thought for a little while and then ran through a few places.
“Hmm, I like those ideas,” I said with an approving nod. "I want you to come with us.”
“I really wouldn't mind, sir, but are you sure that’s wise?”
“Absolutely."
“Alright then. I’ll come.” She said, and we both continued our day.
When it was almost 4 pm, I called Hope again wanting to know where to come and pick her up.
“I’m heading out now,” I said to her. "And I'd like you to send me your address."
“I’m ready too,” she said brightly and then sent her location to me.
Stephanie and I got into the Rolls-Royce, and as we pulled out, I told her, “Cancel my meeting with Mr. Caleb, just in case this takes longer.”
“Yes, sir.” Stephanie said and got to work immediately.
We were almost at Hope’s place when my phone rang again and my ex-wife's name flashed on my screen.
"What do you want?" I said as I answered.
“Abraham,” she said sweetly. “I was just checking on you.”
"Is that so?"
"Yeah." She said. "I mean, for Pete's sake, can't I just check on you again?"
"Mmh." I hummed and just then, Helen didn't disappoint. She sprung up her usual question on me again, asking for money.
“Can you send me a $100 thousand dollars? Please? I really need it.”
"Helen, you always need something." I said sharply. "If it isn't money for shopping, then it's money for your car, or whatever trivial thing you spend all your money on."
“Please Abraham, this will be the last time." She pleaded.
"Helen, you say that every single time."
"Abraham, I—" She started and I ended the call before she could go any further.
“I don’t even know why I pick up every single time,” I mumbled and Stephanie glanced at me.
“It’s actually not bad to talk to her."
"Of course I know that." I said.
"And I actually miss her.”
She added softly. “We haven’t really spoken since the divorce. It's been 2 years now.”
We continued the drive and as we entered Hope’s street, I noticed a few of her neighbors poking their heads through the door and some through their fences as they saw my Rolls-Royce pull up and parked right in front of Hope's apartment.
“Interesting welcoming committee,” Stephanie said under her breath as she noticed a woman rush out and take a picture before rushing back in her apartment.
"I'm right outside." I said to Hope as I gave her a quick call.
And then the girls stepped out.
“Whoa,” Sophia said as she approached, staring at the car.
I noticed Riley giving Hope a teasing nudge before playfully pushing her forward.
“Stop....” Hope said in a whisper as she glared at Riley.
We all exchanged a quick greeting and then I finally introduced them to Stephanie.
“Oh — this is Stephanie,” I said, gesturing to her. “She's my assistant and basically my daughter.”
“Don’t listen to him,” Stephanie interjected. “I’m just his assistant.”
Hope lets out a soft chuckle and then shake hands with Stephanie before stepping closer to me.
“Shall we?” I said as I held out an arm lightly.
- Writer
