Total pages in book: 168
Estimated words: 153571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 768(@200wpm)___ 614(@250wpm)___ 512(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 768(@200wpm)___ 614(@250wpm)___ 512(@300wpm)
Determination fills me, wiping away a little of the weariness clinging to my soul.
"I'll stay there," I agree. "But only until I find something else."
"So, what do you think of the condo?" Tahani asks four days later.
"It's great, Tahani. Truly." I tip my head back and take a deep breath, my cell phone against my ear. The fresh, salty scent of seawater assuages my senses, relaxing knots in my neck and shoulders that I thought had taken up permanent residence there over the last several days. Closing my eyes, I let my head loll and listen to the sound of waves breaking on the shore a few yards away. My toes sink into the warm sand beneath my feet, relaxing me even further.
I stand in prolonged silence, reveling in the peaceful feeling that settles over me before I turn away from the beach and look up at the condo. The entire back of the house is sleek glass, overlooking a massive patio and the small, private stretch of beach I'm currently standing on. I haven't seen a single person on the beach since I've been here. It's so much nicer than the crowded public beaches I grew up around.
"Mila? You still there?"
"Your dad's place is amazing," I say softly into the phone, letting her know I'm still with her.
"I'm really glad you like it," she says, unable to hide her worry. I know it's a little rustic, being a bachelor pad and all."
"Are you kidding me? I love it." I've only been here for a day and a half, and I already never want to leave. The place isn't massive and nowhere near as fancy as half of the homes I passed on my way here, but Mr. Gregory has phenomenal taste. The condo is modern, with tons of natural light and soft colors. The place is secluded and quiet...exactly what I need to ensure Damien won't find me.
At the thought of him, a sliver of anger pulses through me.
Sometime on the drive here from Berkeley, the shock of finding him in bed with Lizette wore off. I'm disgusted. And beyond done with him. The feeling is oddly comforting. I ghosted him, effectively cutting off all possible contact. I changed my phone number and email address and deactivated my social media accounts before I threw my bags into my new Dodge Charger and drove away, leaving Berkeley, Damien Wentworth, and Lizette Hicks in the rearview mirror.
"Do you need anything?" Tahani asks.
"No, I'm good." I bend and scoop my wine glass up from the sand before making my way up the steps onto the back deck, through the sliding glass door, and into the condo. Once inside, I stop and look around, taking it all in again. I don't know how I've never been here before, but it's beautiful.
The floors are gleaming hardwood. Soft, comfortable furniture rests on gorgeous white rugs. In the living room, a massive television dominates the entertainment center, with various game consoles arrayed beneath.
The kitchen is even more modern, with stainless steel appliances and a huge marble-topped island. The glass kitchen table sits in front of the wall of windows overlooking the beach below. The place is elegant but somehow simple at the same time. Uncomplicated, unlike its owner. Despite being vacant for weeks now, the entire house is spotless.
"Are you sure?" Tahani asks, recalling my attention. "Trent and I are only a couple hours away. If you need company, he wouldn't mind if I–"
"Tahani, I'm fine, really." I laugh, making my way into the kitchen to refill my glass. Sacramento is more than just a couple of hours away. "You still need to unpack and get settled in. I'll be okay. I'm not going to fall to pieces. Damien isn't worth it."
"No, he isn't," she agrees, iron in her voice.
"How could I have been so stupid, though, Hani?" I ask, grabbing the bottle of wine and popping the cork. My hand trembles as a sliver of anger works its way through me. "I wasted half a year with him, only for him to fall into bed with my boss." A bitter laugh cracks from my lips. "I was an idiot."
"It's not your fault for trusting him not to betray you," Tahani whispers. "You're supposed to be able to trust the people you love."
Maybe that's the problem. I wasn't in love with him. I cared about him, but that isn't the same thing. I certainly don't miss him. Even before he cheated on me, I never really missed him when we weren't together. That's not how you're supposed to feel about someone you're thinking about living with.
I'm angry that he turned out to be a cheating liar, but my heart isn't broken. I’m disappointed. But I'm honestly more sad about the job than about the boy. That isn't normal, either.