Nobody Knows Read Online Free Page B

mumbled.
    “Gillian?” he asked again. I liked the way my name rolled off his tongue. It was so natural and comfortable, as if he had been saying it his whole life. I stole a glance at his left hand. No ring. And no sign of a tan line where a ring had once been.
    “I just thought it was on the market now. I don’t really understand what all this means.” Admitting it felt horrible. I felt stupid and naïve, but he smiled and instantly the fear of looking like a fool in front of this perfect man evaporated.
    Joel spent the next ten minutes patiently explaining to me all the steps that would have to happen before they appeared in the real estate guide. He didn’t seem annoyed about having to go over this with me, and I was grateful for his patience.
    “Anything I forgot?” He grinned again. Not trusting myself to speak, I just nodded half-heartedly. “Well then, I better let you get back to it, so I can go and do some work. I will call you tomorrow and let you know how we are looking. But in the meantime, if you need anything else, you have my details.” He smiled again before reaching out and shaking my clammy hand.
    “Thanks again,” I managed to say, as he opened the door for me and walked me to the front of the office.
    “Talk soon.” He waved, then disappeared back into the deep, dark depths of the office. I stepped outside, grateful for the cool breeze blowing against my warm, embarrassed cheeks. Sitting in the conference room, I could feel myself sweating, but hoped it wasn’t noticeable. I glanced down at the business card I held tightly in my hand. Taking up most of the card was the perfect picture of Joel—wide, warm, white smile, tie lying perfectly straight down his chest. Suddenly realizing I was standing outside this man’s office, staring stupidly at the photo of him held tight in my hand. I quickly walked away.
    Sliding behind the steering wheel, I could hear the phone ringing. Digging desperately through my handbag, I couldn’t find it. Irritated, I tipped the contents onto the passenger seat beside me. Not recognizing the number, I flipped open my phone. “Hello?”
    “Gillian, its Joel.”
    My heart missed a beat. “Did I forget something?” I asked nervously.
    “No, no, it’s nothing like that. I just needed to know if it was going to just be your name on the title deed.”
    Relieved I hadn’t done or said anything stupid, I allowed myself a smug smile. I didn’t know if this was his roundabout way of asking if I was single, but that’s what I convinced myself anyway. “Yep, just me.” I smiled to myself, almost overflowing with happiness.
    “Oh, I guess that’s good…” he trailed off under his breath and I couldn’t quite catch the last few words.
    “Okay then…” I tried to end the call. Always leave them wanting more, one of my best friends had always told me. “I have to run, so unless there is anything else…”
    “Nope, that’s it. Have a lovely day, Gillian.” He sounded pleased. I clicked the phone shut and burst out laughing. Even I was impressed by my performance.
    When Friday night arrived I joined some girlfriends I hadn’t seen in six months, since they had made the move to the big city. In high school the four of us had been inseparable, but the other three had enrolled at University to study, while I remained on the coast trying to figure things out. I took my time getting ready, paying particular attention to my makeup and hair. I chose my outfit, a knee-length orange and pink dress, with knee-high black boots, a black jacket, and white scarf wrapped around my neck.
    All I could think about for the entire fifteen minute drive were those aqua blue eyes. I began wondering if I should sell the house first and then sell the unit once that was settled so I could draw out the time I would spend associating with Joel. Shaking my head, I realized how completely and utterly infatuated with him I was.
    By the time I arrived at the restaurant, a delicious