Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 61160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“Not a damn thing, hun.” She squeezed my hand. “Who I wanted to be and what I thought about my life changed every week, so I finally let go of all that. I just enjoyed my life, and I suggest you throw away that notebook and do the same, hear?”
She didn’t give me a chance to respond. “Take care of yourself,” she said before heading toward the steps.
I flipped open my notebook and read through all the lists and goals I wanted, seeing I only had a few months to make them a reality.
As the ferry approached Seattle’s pier, I ripped the pages to shreds and tossed them in the trash.
Making sure my shades were secure, I took the long way to Madison’s shop and took my usual spot in her back office.
Within seconds, I heard a familiar voice.
“Chloe?” It was Tyler.
“Whoa.” Madison ventured into the cafe, and I strained to catch a glimpse of him from the window.
As usual, he looked perfect in his custom dark suit and tie, but my heart sank at the look in his eyes. It didn’t match the anger from his text messages.
It was anguish, pain.
“We’re not open for another two hours, sir.” Madison scoffed. “You need to leave before I call the police.”
“I’m looking for Chloe.”
“I don’t know who that is.”
“I saw her come in here.” He looked toward the back. “She came in here yesterday, too.”
“So, in addition to calling her twenty times a day, you’re stalking her now, too?”
“Yes.”
“She picked up something she needed and left out of the alley exit.” She kept her voice firm. “I really don’t want to have to deal with reporters clogging up my shop to ask what type of flavor you ordered today or what you placed in the trash, so—” She pointed to the door. “Could you please leave now?”
He pulled a box from his pocket and set it on the counter. “Give this to her when she comes back.”
“She’s not going to read a note from you.”
“It’s not a note,” he said. “It’s something I meant to give her a while ago. Will you tell her I stopped by?”
“I’ll consider it.”
He looked as if he wanted to say more, but turned away and left the shop.
Madison rushed behind him and locked the doors.
“You can come out now, Chloe,” she said. “He’s gone.”
I quickly grabbed the box he left and opened it.
Tears prick my eyes once I saw a larger framed version of our photo reel from The Great Wheel. At the bottom, there was an inscription:
I was intrigued by you at first sight, Chloe.
It’s still one of the best nights of my life.
The difference between that night and now, though, is that I have your telephone number.
Pick up, please.
Love,
Tyler
“Should I go after him?” My heart ached. “Maybe we can talk this out.”
“Hell no.” She glared at me. “Make a scoop of ‘Stick to the Plan Cran’ and have a damn seat.”
Still Trying
Tyler
Seattle, Washington
“Mr. Carrington? Sir?”
I looked up from my notes, realizing five executives were staring at me in anticipation. I had no idea how long they were standing there or what I was even doing here.
No one on the outside knew that Chloe and I were no longer talking, but her absence these past few weeks had left an immense hole in this building.
Everyone felt it.
“Yes?” I asked.
“We’ve completed the final schedule for the bestsellers we’re sending on tour next quarter,” Miss Swan said. “Are we free to leave for the weekend?”
“Of course.” I forced a smile. “Enjoy your weekend.”
They filed out of the room, but Miss Swan stayed behind.
“May I help you with something?” I asked.
“Permission to speak off the record?”
“Not unless you want to join the other employees I’ve had to let go for discussing my personal life.”
“I think you should take some time off. I mean, you’re good at what you do—much to everyone’s surprise—given the whole royal, well, you know…” She didn’t finish her sentence. “You just look really depressed.”
I am fucking depressed.
“Anyway,” she said. “In the grand scheme of things, I’m glad you became our CEO. Oh, and I know Chloe resigned for personal reasons, but can you give her this gift for me? Technically, it’s for you, too.”
“So, you’re asking me to fire you?”
“I’ll risk it.” She stepped forward, pulling a small grey gift bag from her purse. “It’s from everyone in our department.”
I stared at it.
“Have a great weekend, Mr. Carrington.” She left my office, and I waited until she slammed the door shut.
I pulled out a wrapped silk square and untied its light green ribbon.
It was a miniature-sized memory book with a picture of Chloe and me on the cover. This photo was long before our relationship was exposed, before anyone in the office knew.
Or, so I thought.
We were sitting on the blue sofa in my office, Chloe leaning against me and smiling, my arm wrapped around her shoulder, seconds away from tasting her lips.