When Rain Falls
Chapter 3 – The Hamptons (Part 2)
Deidre's studio apartment was located on the fifth floor. We had to use the stairs due to the elevator being out of order. Her place was cozy and organized. Compared to our house, you could easily tell she wasn't a fan of clutter based from the minimalist vibe. The only colors you'll see throughout the room were gray and white. Cosmo went straight to the living room and jumped up on the light gray sofa.
"I have a Queen-size bed," Deidre stated as soon as she closed the door behind her. "You can either sleep next to me or you can sleep on the sofa. Take your pick."
"I'll sleep on the sofa, thank you." I smiled as I scanned the pictures on a console table placed against a wall. There were childhood and graduation pictures, some pictures of her parents, grandparents and friends, but not a single picture of her with a man. I'm guessing she must be picky with guys or she's simply enjoying the single life. I'm leaning towards the latter.
"That's perfect," she squealed and then started removing the throw pillows off the sofa. I looked at her in confusion. "Oh, don't worry, it's a sofa bed."
"That's great," I said in relief. I tried sleeping on a sofa once and got a backache in return that lasted for weeks. My eyes caught the sliding glass door near her bed. It was a small balcony filled with plants and a breakfast nook in the middle. "It's a lovely place."
"Just letting you know that you could stay here as long as you want," Deidre offered as she followed me outside the balcony with a silver tray containing a pitcher of lemonade and two glasses. Cosmo followed as well and barked as if he was agreeing with whatever Deidre just said. "Don't be pressured to look for your own place right away. Take your time. Besides, I love having company."
"Thank you," I took a sip of my lemonade and inhaled the fresh breeze. "Have you ever had a roommate before?"
"I did," she said, lifting the glass to her lips. "My jerk of an ex-boyfriend."
Oh. That explains it.
"Well, the single life isn't too bad, right?" I smiled. Cosmo barked. He was sitting underneath the round glass table. It was almost as if he understood the conversation we were having. "Cosmo seems to agree."
"I do miss the asshole sometimes," she admitted with an eye roll. "But then the guy is completely insecure. He had a problem with me earning more than him. We were fighting almost every day whenever we came home from work, and it just came to a point where I've had enough of it, you know. He was acting like he was so high and mighty and he doesn't even pay half of the fucking rent, so I kicked him out."
"Good for you," I nodded. "You should be proud of yourself, Deeds. You don't deserve guys like him."
Her phone on the table buzzed, interrupting our conversation. A picture of a young man flashed across the screen. It was upside down, so I wasn't able to see what he looked like. She grabbed the phone from the table and answered. She got up and moved closer to the railing for some privacy. Must be her new boyfriend.
My phone buzzed as well. I fought the urge to roll my eyes to the back of my head when I saw who texted me. It was a text message from my ex-boyfriend, Aiden. The last time we spoke was around two years ago. I even stopped talking to his sister, Pandora. Refusing to read the message, I pushed down on his name and clicked the delete button before inserting my phone back inside my pocket. So annoying. I don't know why I couldn't just block his number. I'm the annoying one.
While I waited for Deidre to finish her phone call, I kept thinking about our drive to The Hamptons tomorrow. The anticipation was driving me up the wall. A part of me wanted to rush the time so I could get inside the mansion and finish the mission I've been planning for a long time. Then the other part of me was simply nervous that Mabel might discover me skulking around the mansion grounds and charge me for trespassing. Mom would be so disappointed if that ever happens. I leaned back against the chair and hoped for the best.
*
"Ready to go home to your dad, Cosmo?" Deidre opened the back door of her BMW. Cosmo barked happily and jumped in. He looked so cute in his Navy nautical dog bandana. I stepped inside the passenger seat and reached out to the back to rub Cosmo's chin. He barked and licked my hand.
After Deidre secured a box filled with folders in the back trunk, she slipped to the driver's side and sent a quick text message to someone. The phone pinged back and she smiled widely before placing the phone in the cup holder between us.
"You could tell that Cosmo's pretty excited to go back," I glanced over my shoulder to look at him. Within a short time, we've established a close bond. I love him so much. How I wish I could take him back with me to San Diego. But then again, I don't know what my cat, Paprika, would think. She won't like it, that's for sure. "How's your boss, by the way? Is he nice?"
"He's super nice," her eyes widened as she drove. "Everyone at work loves him. I mean, you could easily fall in love with the man. He has such a sweet tongue."
Um, good to know.
I cringed at her words. There was no way in hell I'd fall for an old man. No. Never. Not in a million years. Over my dead body. Placing the back of my right hand against my lips to stifle a laugh, I turned my head to the window and watched the buildings go by.
"Was he ever married? Any kids?" I asked again, after I was sure that I've drowned out the laughter bubbling inside of me.
"Not that I know of," she said, scratching the part below her ear. "As far as I know, he's a single pringle and he's always ready to mingle. The women at work go bonkers whenever they see him."
I know I won't.
"He must be a real ladies' man," I muttered as I scrolled through Instagram. "I can't imagine all the women throwing themselves at his feet. He's probably enjoying all the attention."
"You can't blame them. Even I developed a little crush on him when I first met him. So cute." Deidre bit the bottom of her lips and I saw her cheeks become pink. Oh wow. Cringe Galore.
That old fart must have done something to all the women in his company. It must be some kind of love potion or some hypnotism he learned somewhere. Ugh. Now I'm scared to meet the guy. I refused to be a part of a cult where the guy has a gazillion wives. I'll find a way to get out of it.
"You know what's so funny?" Deidre glanced at me. "My boss has the same name as yours."
I stared at her wide eyed. "No way? His name is Raina, too?"
"No, no," she laughed. "I meant he has the same nickname as yours. His real name is Rainier, but we all call him Rain."
"Hmm, interesting." Where have I heard that name before?
"I think this must be fate, Rainy," Deidre shook her head in amazement. "You really need to meet him. And No is not an option."
I forced out a laugh. "Alright. If you say so." I turned my head to the window and closed my eyes. Oh, my God. How the hell would I get out of this?
After nearly two hours, we finally arrived at our destination. Well, not really, but we were already on the street where my dad's mansion was located. I didn't mention the house number to Deidre since I just wanted her to drop me off a little further from the gate.
"My boss's cousin lives on this street as well," Deidre rolled her windows down. "You probably know him. Vincent Sterling, CEO of SterlingCorp?"
"Oh, yeah," I nodded. "We met once. Our dads were business friends." Vincent has a really old cousin. Interesting. I suddenly wondered about the age difference between them. I guess I'll find out soon enough. "You could drop me off right here, Deeds."
"Sure. My boss's house is just right there, by the way," Deidre pointed at the golden gate, then she slowed to a stop. "Where's your dad's house?"
I narrowed my gaze at her. "Wait, what?" I turned my head back to the front to look at the golden gate. Same number. "Sorry, I thought I just heard you say that this was your boss's house?"
She nodded. "It is. Why?"
I swallowed. "This is my dad's house."
Thank you for reading, lovelies! I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. You guys will meet Rain Sterling in the next chapter. Please don't forget to hit the star button and leave a comment. I appreciate it. <3
XOXO Katie