Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“I’m fine. Yes. I’ve been here since the day after we went to that club.”
I then mumble to myself, “Biggest mistake of my life.”
“Is he treating you okay?”
Is Brodi treating me okay? He pampers me and waits on me hand and foot. He’s ten times more tentative than he used to be. However, he’s left once before after giving me the world. I still don’t have it in me to trust it.
“Yeah, he’s treating me well,” I reply. “But forget about me. How are things with Clayton? I didn’t miss you called him Clay.”
I fall back on the bed and stare up at the ceiling. God, we’ve come a long way from the projects in Brooklyn. I had always dreamed of traveling to places like Dubai. When I met Brodi, I fantasized about all the places we would go. Now I’m here and it’s so bittersweet.
“He’s… um… things are good, I guess. As good as they can be under the circumstances.”
“Owww,” I squeal. “He’s knocking the dust off that pussy, isn’t he? Go, Sid.”
I truly am happy for her. I want to see her with someone who treats her well. If Clay treats her half as well as Brodi treated me once and sticks to it, she deserves it and more.
“Maybe.” She laughs into the phone. “Listen, I’m so happy to hear from you, but we’re getting ready to board a flight. We’ll be in Georgia for a bit.”
“You in Georgia?” I snort.
“Yeah, I’m going to start my novel while there. I’m excited.”
“That’s great. Oh my God. You’ve dreamed of this for so long. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks. Chloe, please stop ignoring my texts, I’m worried about you. You’re sure you’re fine?”
“Yeah, I’m cool. Listen, there’s a lot going on here. So if I don’t call, I’ll text or something.”
“Please.”
“I’ll reply even if it’s an emoji. I don’t have a sex blog to add to my million. I don’t want to use it all on long-distance-and-roaming charges and shit,” I tease.
She snorts. “Whatever. Just check in every once in a while. Love you.”
“I love you too.”
I hang up and continue to stare up at the ceiling. I smile. She sounds happy.
After all Sid has given up for me and Ally, I want this for her. If she knew the Hennessy men like I do, she’d know that no matter what, Clay’s never going to fully be out of her system. I saw the looks he gave her.
“Good luck. I hope he stays,” I whisper.
Chapter 28
Chipping Armor
Chloe
We’ve been Jet Skiing, on a helicopter ride with the most majestic views, observed the views from Burj Khalifa, had dinner at the Burj Al Arab and dined like royalty. I could go on and on about the romantic dates Brodi has taken me on. With each one he’s been needling his way in, chipping away at the icy pain surrounding my heart.
However, this date, this one might be my favorite. A cruise through the Dubai Creek. Dinner and dancing, I’ve loved this date because it’s the core of who we used to be.
Slowly, I’ve allowed myself to remember how easy it used to be. For one night, I don’t want to hurt. I’ve shut off the pain to be in the moment and I’ve laughed and smiled more than I have in years.
I look up into Brodi’s eyes and the genuine smile on his face tugs me in. I think the fact that the music is native and neutral aids to pull us both into the moment.
“How’s the painting going? Have you thought about a theme?”
“It’s going well. I don’t know. I’m pretty much painting my feelings.”
“I want you to meet with Eric. He’s going to coordinate for your showings.”
“My showings? What showings?”
“I told you I have friends who love your work. When we return home, I have a friend with a gallery in Alphabet City. You can start there and then move to Soho where another friend of mine has a bigger gallery.”
I look up at him with my mouth hanging open. This is the first I’m hearing of this. I don’t know whether to hug him or fuss at him for not telling me sooner.
Tears fill my eyes. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
I shrug. “Sid has numbers and now her writing. Ally has her flute. I’ve never had anything of my own to pursue. Or it least it felt that way. I almost forgot how much I love to paint. Now, I have a chance to see if I can make something of it. Thank you.”
He leans in and places his lips to my temple. I close my eyes and absorb him. My entire being hums from the connection. A shiver runs through me. I might be allowing him in more than I intended to.
He’s chipping at my armor, and I don’t know if I have it in me to hold him back. His breath fans my lips, causing me to hold my breath in anticipation. I guide my hands up his chest and link my fingers behind his neck.