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Since she still hasn’t responded, I clarify: “I win out in business by persistence Pure merciless persistence A persistence that I apply in all areas of my life

A longer silence, then “Fine I’ll be there in fifteen”

And in twenty, there she is Standing onHands on her thick hips

“Stevie…”

My voice trails off and away from me

The way her lower lip is jutted out, even fuller than normal, just makes me want to kiss it And then there’s the whole issue of the pale teal shorts she’s wearing They appear to beis already undone…

I wrench aze away That’s not why I invited her here

“Will you come in?” I ask, in a colder voice than intended

She doesn’t move

“Just say it,” she says

She’s right, really I need to get this over with Say the right words so I don’t giveones Or my body time to just take over completely

Because right now, if I said what I really wanted to, it would be… “Come here” in a completely different tone For a completely different reason

“Just come inside,” I say, more softly this time, “so we can talk”

She stands there a good half lides in without a word or even a look at me

Instead, her gaze scansit for the first time, now that she realizes she’ll never be back The curved ornate railings and balustrades that I designedEvery picture, every vase, every single last corner of this place I oversaw personally

Maybe it’s a bit s that keptme with a baby to boot Control That’s what I like

Then why a Stevie and myself into a situation where I’ve provenbut?

I pause Hell, I’ve thoughtlessly led us back into the sa to sweep my hand toward the saone further, looking at me with despondent eyes?

No Instead, I’m the one who sits down, and I look up at her as I speak