Gloria’s eyes flitted back and forth between Love and Drake. Finally, she placed a hand on her hip. “When did you start lying to your mother, Lovely?”
Damn. Caught already? “Why do you say that?”
“You hate living with anyone. You wouldn’t even let Drake move in.”
Love shifted her attention to Drake, who was watching her with a smirk on his face. Although he was her best friend, she had turned him down when he’d asked to stay with her while he found a place. Instead, she’d suggested that he book a suite at the Marriott closest to the University of Michigan Hospital, where they were both residents. He was pissed, and didn’t hesitate to tell her. Love had assured him it was the best thing for their friendship. She adored him, but there was no way she could live with him. Drake was your typical smelly, messy and loud man. Not to mention a man-whore.
“Mother,” Love said. “I didn’t want to tell you this, but…” She stalled, running a list of possible roommates in her mind. “Drake is my roommate.”
He gaped at her.
The room was silent for a few minutes as both of them absorbed this news.
“Drake?” Gloria asked. “That’s impossible.”
“It’s the truth. But I can’t really talk about this now. I told you I have plans.”
“No, I want an explanation. If Drake is your roommate, you’ll never find a man who wants to marry you.”
Drake snorted and Love smacked his shoulder.
“When did this end up being about marriage?” she asked her mother. “Wait…don’t answer that.” It seemed as though these days, every conversation between them contained a reference to the M word. “Please, Mother. I promise we’ll spend lots of time together. Later. I’ll answer all of your questions then.” She hugged her. “Love you.”
Gloria stomped to the door. “Okay, Lovely. Take care of your business. But we are going to talk about this. And since Drake is your roommate, he won’t care if I stay there for a few days. Right, Drake?”
He shrugged. “Sure,” he said drily.
Love opened the door to let her out, only to find the concierge on the other side, preparing to knock.
“Mrs. J—”
“Hi!” Love said. “Did you need something?”
“I forgot to give you the receipt from the jewelry store.”
She snatched it from him. “Okay, thanks. Bye.”
“Who is that?” Gloria asked, shoving her out of the way.
“Mom,” Drake interrupted, pulling her from the door. “It’s just the concierge. I purchased something and he was bringing the receipt. Thanks again.” He pushed the door closed, but the concierge stopped it with his toe.
“One more thing, Dr. Jackson. Just a reminder—this is a final sale.”
Love sighed.
Drake muttered a curse. “Fine.”
“Thanks for your business, Dr. Jackson. And congratulations again.” He turned to walk away and Love let out a sigh of relief—until he glanced back at them over his shoulder. “Please let us know if you choose to take us up on the offer of using the honeymoon suite.”
“Honeymoon suite?” Gloria repeated.
“Yes,” the man said, tugging at the lapels of his suit as he lifted his chin. “We here at the Bellagio love to cater to our important guests. Nothing more important than a wedding.”
“Whose wedding?”
“Do something,” Love mouthed to Drake.
“Mom, how about we go get breakfast?” he said, nudging Gloria away from the concierge. “I’m starved.”
“Wait a minute,” she exclaimed, digging in her heels. “Who got married?”
“Why, they did,” the chubby man replied with a toothy grin. “They visited our jewelry store to purchase the ring.”
“Oh, my God.” Love leaned her forehead against the wall.
Gloria turned to them. Tears welled in her eyes, and she fainted.
CHAPTER 4
Drake watched as Gloria’s eyes rolled back in her head.
“Mother!” Love called. But it was too late.
Gloria fell like a heavy tree and nearly slipped through Drake’s arms, but he was able to catch her. Grunting, he carried her to the couch. “Get my bag, Love,” he ordered.
She sprinted into the bedroom, came back with his medical bag and dropped it on the floor next to him.
The concierge had followed them into the room. Drake glared at him. “You can go now. I’ll handle this.”
“Maybe I should call an ambulance?” he suggested.
“No, she should be fine. Like I said, I’ve got this. I’ll call if we need anything.”