Chapter 28
Callie
“One of my colleagues , today is her birthday, so she's having a party.”
"Oh, okay.”
I left her standing there and went into my room, making sure to lock the door. Since she's been staying here, I never left the door unlocked. I had all the papers and everything related to mine and Anthony's wedding and all the evidence against her over at Marcy's place. I even locked my phone; everyone else did. I texted Anthony the address and time he should be there. I had already left most of the stuff I would need over there, so I just had to come back here for show.
After I took care of everything, when I walked back out, I saw Jace and Crystal.
“Where are you going, Callie?”
“Today is Sophie's birthday, so I'm heading over to her party.”
“Ohh Callie I got her a gift; can you give it to her for me? Jace and I are actually going out.”
“Sure ”
I had no idea what was in the bag, but nevertheless, I took it. Jace's phone started ringing.
"Hey, what's up? Oh yeah, that's cool. No, Crystal and I are going out, and so's Callie. I don't know. Alright, see you later, Anth.”
“What did Anthony say?”
I knew she would ask. “For your information, demon, he said he's working late.”
“Wait, I'll be here alone.”
“You're a demon; what are you afraid of?”
“Jace Cut it out. I really have to go; it's getting late. Rachel, you'll be fine. Anthony will be home soon.”
I left her standing there and walked out; neither Anthony nor I would be back until morning. Jace and Crystal wouldn't either.
Anthony
I decided I would spoil her. I opened my laptop and found a jewelry store a few corners away from my office. I was scrolling through their website when I saw something that would be perfect for her. A 18-karat gold lariat necklace It had white and amnesty diamonds. I ordered one. I'd pick it up on my way to her. The price didn't bother me; she deserved the best. It was close to six when Samantha walked into my office, followed by Rachel. For fucks sake,.
“Samantha, what time is my next meeting?” I'm guessing she saw the look on my face and played along with it.
“In ten minutes, Mr. Collins. Also, Miss Avery is here to see you.”
“Thank you, Samantha.”
I didn't even look at her. “What do you want, Rachel? I'm busy”
“You haven't spent any time with me in the past five days. Ever since that night, we went out to dinner. I was thinking we could have dinner tonight.”
“I can't; I'm busy.”
“Maybe after work?”
“I have three meetings tonight, then I need to do some rounds and check out my nightclubs, and by the time I'm finished, it'll be after twelve.”.
“You're not lying to me, are you? You're not sneaking off to go out with Callie, are you?”
Well, shit, I didn't react to her statement or look at her. “Where am I at this moment, Rachel?”
“In your office.”
“Where is Callie?”
“Some birthday party”
“Exactly. I see Callie at the same time every day, which is at home. She's busy planning your wedding. And I'm busy working, so stop thinking shit. Go find something to do; I'm busy.”
“Everyone is gone; I'm alone in the apartment. Can't I stay here until you're finished working?”
"No, go visit your parents or something. Don't you have friends? Go pay them a visit. I have to leave; my meeting is about to start.”
“Fine, just let me know what time you'll be home.”
I watched her walk out; Callie was calling. "Yes, love.”
"Hey, be careful when you're coming over. I don't trust Rachel. She'll probably come over to your office and then follow you.”
“She just left my office.”
“Ohhh ”
“I'll give her ten minutes, then head over there. Is there anything you need me to get?”
"No, I already have everything here; we'll be spending the night here.”
"Okay, I'll see you soon, love.”
“Anthony ?”
“Yes baby?”
“How do you feel about the color red?”
“Depends”
“Never mind; see you soon.”
After she hung up, I sat there, smiling. I called down to the security room and had one of the guards check the cameras to make sure she was gone. I was on my way down in the elevator when they called to say she was parked a block over watching the building. She really thought she was slick. There was a back entrance to the building that only a few people knew about. She would be watching the front door for the rest of the night. I walked a few corners to the jewelry store and picked up the necklace. I also bought her some flowers. I still remember Lisianthus. They were her favorites. I hailed a cab and got in, and I gave him the address.
Callie
I already had everything set. Yesterday, while Rachel was out, I packed mine and Anthony's overnight bag and had Crystal drop it off here. I knew she would show up at his office. I wouldn't put it past her. I had dinner prepared and everything else. It was close to seven when he texted me, saying he was here, so I buzzed him in. The minute the elevator doors opened and he saw me, he smiled. He walked over to me and gave me the flowers.
“These are for you, baby.” He said this while leaning in for a kiss, and I obliged.
“Thank you; they're beautiful. You remember my favorite flower.”
“When it comes to you, I'll always remember.”
I pulled him into the apartment and locked the door. “Whose apartment is this?”
“Marcy's Vacation Apartment. She offered to let me use it whenever I wanted. She knows the demon is staying with us.
“I see.”
“Why don't you go take a shower, then we'll have dinner? You're stuff is already in the room.”
“Dinner with a beautiful lady; I won't say no to that. I've missed you, even though we're there in the same apartment all the time.”.
“I've missed sleeping next to you too.”
“I'll go take a shower and be back.”
I went into the other room and wore the dress that I had bought and did my makeup. I'd also bought a red lingerie set. I went back out and lit the candles.
Anthony
When I walked back out into the living room and saw her in that dress, suddenly I wasn't hungry anymore.
“Damn baby, you look extra beautiful.”
“Thank you; you don't look so bad yourself.”
“You cooked?”
"Yes, I did.”
“I could get used to this.”
I pulled her chair out for her and sat down. She made pineapple-baked salmon with lemon-butter pasta. This is something I've never heard of, but I'd be damned if I let her stop cooking for me.
Throughout dinner, we talked about everything—about us and what we wanted. There was no mention of Rachel, which I was happy about. She got up and went to the kitchen.
“What are you doing, babe?”
“Getting dessert”
“I thought you were the dessert?”
"Funny, but no, I made Creme Brulee.”
“You know that's my favorite, right?”
“That's why I made it.”
After dessert, I put on some music, pulled her to me, and held her close. “Thank you, love. I needed this time with you.”
“We both needed it.”
I spun her around; she was facing away from me. I pulled the necklace out and held her still. “What are you doing, Anthony?”
“I have something for you. Stay still.”
I put the necklace on her and kissed her shoulder. “I love you, Callie.”
“I love you too, Anthony, and thank you.”
Someone was calling. “Yes Jace?”
"Yes, she's fine; we're okay. Okay, then ”
“What does Jace want?”
“Just checking in, baby.”
My phone started ringing again. I didn't look at the name before answering; I figured it was Jace again. "Yes, Jace.”
“Anthony, where are you?”
“I'm in the middle of a meeting, Rachel. What is it?”
“Nothing, just calling to check in.”
“You don't need to check on me; I'm an adult now and I have other things to do. Goodbye.” I ended the call and turned off my phone.
“I'm sorry, love.”
“It's okay. What would you like to do now?”
"Well, I know what I want to do.”
She started laughing, and I could listen to her all day. "Okay, wait, I have another surprise for you.”
“How many surprises do I get?”
“Last one.”
After saying that she had disappeared into the room,I walked over to the mini bar and poured myself a drink. I walked over to the window and looked out. A few minutes later, I heard her before I saw her. “Anthony ”
When I spun around, I choked on the scotch and on my tongue. Everything went south in that minute. Fuck me she was wearing. Holy fuck. I forgot how to speak, and my brain stopped functioning for a minute.