Surprise - Part 3

Sarah E. Stevens takes up the pen (well, the keyboard) to continue our story: 

Gregory leaned back in his chair and raised his glass of champagne in appreciation. 

"Very nice," he said. "But how did you possibly guess architect when all you knew was that I'm the black sheep?"

"I'm still not sure why it makes you the black sheep," Rachel said. "It just...fits you." She gestured up and down.

Marni reached across and snagged the glass out of Gregory's hand. "My party, my champagne," she said, taking a big sip. "Don't even listen to him, Rach. He's not really a black sheep." 

"Your sister would beg to differ," said Gregory.

"My sister just can't imagine how anyone would walk away from money like you did." 

Gregory shrugged. "Money can't buy happiness. I sleep pretty well at night now."

Alison suddenly spoke from behind Rachel. "Money bought that suit and watch, though, didn't it, Greg? And where are you living now?" 

Rachel looked between the three cousins in confusion, unclear why Alison's voice held such disdain. 

Marni drained her glass and held it up with a huge, sweet smile. "Alison, would you go get me some more champagne? This is the best party ever. Thank you so much, sis."  

Alison sighed and smiled back, some of the tension dropping from her shoulders. "You're welcome, goober." She took the glass and walked away for a refill.

"Okay, someone needs to fill me in," said Rachel. 

Gregory reached over and put his hand on hers for a fleeting moment. "I used to design for the rich and famous. Crazy mansions, like you've seen on television specials. Gold-plated bathroom fixtures. Children's bedrooms that look like castles or space stations. More balconies and indoor water features than you could possibly imagine. It...let's just say it paid well."

"And now?" Rachel prompted. Her hand tingled where Gregory's touch landed.

Gregory's gaze held hers. "I design public housing for the Chicago Housing Authority. 'Projects,' if you will." 

Rachel raised her eyebrows as she felt a smile creep along her face. "I feel like you're waiting for me to have some sort of appalled reaction, but surely...if you know anything about me...you know I'm a social worker. Money's not my thing."

"Nor being on time," Marni chimed in. "Okay, fledgling lovebirds, I'm gonna grab that champagne from Alison and circulate. This little mating ritual's going too slow for me." She flashed Rachel a smile and a wink before she left. 

Rachel felt her face flush and covered it a slow sip of her drink. 

"I'd apologize for my cousin, but I think you're pretty used to her by now," Gregory said. 

"So Alison and your mom think you should have continued working for the 1% and bringing home the big bucks?" 

"Yup. I sold my penthouse apartment and now I rent a little place. I can walk to the corner grocery store and take the 'L' to my office. I have a cat and a couple of plants. It's pretty much perfection." 

"Uh, so it's just you then? You and your cat?" Rachel asked, hating that she sounded so obvious. 

"Felix." Gregory nodded. "We're a couple of bachelors. For now..." 

He trailed off and smiled at her. Rachel felt an answering grin spread across her face. She cleared her throat. 

"Well, Gregory the Bachelor," she said. "Sounds like you've already heard a lot about me from Marni, so there's nothing left for me to share." 

"Nothing left to share? Why do I doubt that?" 

Rachel swallowed hard as the look in his eyes made her stomach jump. She changed the subject. "Tell me what you like about working for the Chicago Housing Authority." 

"Sure, right after I snag us some more drinks, okay? Don't leave. I'll be right back." Gregory grabbed her glass. 

Rachel watched him walk away. Damn, he was fine. 

Marni ran over and plopped back down in the seat next to her. She leaned close. "Well?" she asked in a conspiratorial whisper. "I can't believe I didn't think about introducing the two of you before, but you can't blame me too much. He only moved back from New York six months ago. But you two are perfect for each other! And then we can be family!"

"What? Marni, you're moving way too fast. I mean...he's seems great...and he's definitely hot..."

"So you'll date him, right?" Marni's dark eyes were wide with excitement. "Right? God, you're so much better than his old girlfriend." 

"His old girlfriend?" Rachel echoed carefully. 

"Justine. Thank God she dumped him." 

"She dumped him? When was this?" 

"Couple of weeks ago. Guess she hated the long distance thing. Anyway, it doesn't matter, because now you two have met and you're obviously perfect for each other!" Marni flashed her trademark grin. 

"How long did he and Justine date?" 

"Five years or something. But who cares! He's single now and he's seriously absolutely perfect for you. I'm so excited." 

Rachel smiled back, even though she felt more like grimacing. Five years, they broke up just a few weeks ago, and this Justine initiated the break-up? The guy was clearly on the rebound. Probably still heartbroken. Marni continued her chatter, now relaying a long-winded story about someone at work. Rachel contributed the occasional "Yep," "Uh-huh," and "Really?" as her thoughts whirled. 

"Here you go!" Gregory set down a glass and a full plate of appetizers in front of Rachel. "I thought we should eat if we're going to have more champagne." 

"Thanks." She studied down at the plate to avoid looking at him. The antipasto, bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms should seem appetizing, but she wasn't sure she could eat anything. 

Suddenly, she wished she'd left when she had the chance--when she ruined the whole surprise part of this party. She could be home right now, wearing pajamas and watching Netflix, instead of fighting off her attraction to yet another man who'd probably break her heart. 

Marni reached over and popped a stuffed mushroom in her mouth. "Oh my God, these are my favorite." 

"Help yourself." Rachel pushed the plate in her direction. Marni took several more and launched into conversation with Gregory, asking him a bunch of questions about his mom and dad--apparently they'd just gotten back from a trip to England. 

After a couple of minutes, Rachel interrupted, "I'm going to circulate a bit. I see Mallory over there and I'm dying to ask how her new job's going." 

"Rachel?" Gregory stood up as she did. "Is everything okay?" 

When she looked at him, her stomach did a little jump and she pushed down panic. No, no, no, she would not fall for some unavailable guy, no matter how charming he seemed. 

"Of course!" She forced a small laugh and gestured to a corner table away from the appetizer station. "I'll be right over there." She leaned over, gave Marni a hug, and whispered Happy Birthday in her ear. 

As she walked away, she felt Gregory's gaze follow her, but she didn't dare turn around to look back. 

***

At 9:00 the next morning, her phone chirped. 

Rachel rolled over in bed and groaned. She might have had too much champagne last night. She definitely didn't get enough sleep, even though she snuck out early to avoid more flirting with Gregory. She'd ended up lying in bed for hours mentally scrolling through all her failed relationships, all the reasons she kept picking the wrong men, and all the times someone had broken her heart. Somehow, she'd manage to fall asleep before even getting through it all. 

Her phone chirped. 

"Dammit," she said. 

She grabbed her phone from the bedside table. New text alert from an unknown number, 718 area code. She sucked in a breath and stared at the screen before thumbing it open. 

Hey, this is Gregory. You left b4 I could get your number. Hope you got home ok. Really enjoyed meeting you. 

As Rachel read the text for the second time, another text came in, this one from Marni. 

Rach! Gave Gregory ur #, bc you left so early. WTH? You ok? Thought u liked him? 

A gif popped up, a picture of a pug huddled under covers with an ice pack on its head. Marni added the caption: Me haha.

Rachel texted Marni back first. I'm fine, just tired. Great party. Greg...I dunno? 

Marni: What's not to know? Don't be stupid.

Rachel: IDK. 

Marni: ??? He's perfect.

Rachel: Haha, too perfect? 

Marni: That's not a thing! Lunch later? So I can convince you, haha? 

Rachel sighed and slouched down in her bed. Then she texted: Ok, u win, Los Bravos @11:30. I need chips.

Marni sent back thumbs-up and a gif of The Golden Girls dancing which made Rachel laugh into her empty room. Somehow, Marni always knew exactly what to say. And Rachel was pretty sure her friend knew 11:30 meant most-like-closer-to-noon.

With a lighter heart, she switched back and read Gregory's text again, before composing a reply. After several edits, she wrote: I'm good, nice to meet you too, fun party. :) 

She went back and forth with the happy face. Was it flirty? She didn't want to be flirty. Did she? But she didn't want to sound too rude, either. Finally, she hit send.  

Almost immediately, her phone chirped back. 

Gregory: Definitely fun. Best part was you. Any chance we could get coffee later this afternoon? 

Rachel dropped her phone on the bed next to her. What should she do now? 

Should Rachel:  
A) Text back and agree to coffee later that afternoon.
B) Say not today, but arrange a time for coffee later this week. 
C) Tell him work's really busy right now, but maybe she'll see him around. 

Please vote via comment below - voting ends at midnight Wednesday, 8/1