AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thursday. You’re picking me up, right?”
“Of course. I’m leaving work a bit early to get you, then we’ll talk about all things wedding. You’ll get to meet Jamie!” Madeline beamed.
I smiled back at her. Knowing Jamie was the Portland version of me, I was excited to finally meet the other member of the wedding party.
“I can’t wait. I better get going, I need to gather all these drawings into my portfolio so you can see them all.”
“What drawings?” Milo appeared in the frame.
“For my store.” I smiled, hoping he could see through my lie.
He nodded and left the frame. “I can tell him about that part, right?” she whispered.
“Please do. We need to celebrate!”
“Hell yeah. Have a good night, Phe. I’ll see you in a few days!”
“I’ll see you soon. Love you, Maddy.”
She blew me a kiss, and then the FaceTime ended, my screen turning black. I laughed, even though no one heard, and placed my phone on the table beside my desk. I looked at the sketch in front of me before shifting my gaze to the city lights from my bay window. The Empire State building rose off in the distance, and the glow from the World Trade Tower and Central Park lit up as the last few people walked through. This view would always knock me off my feet. One day, I could see myself settling into a Brownstone, still nestled into the city, but for now, this was my home.
“We won’t be able to live in Manhattan for a while. We should look in Brooklyn. . .”
Clay had been wrong. I was where I was meant to be. My dreams were coming true, and they wouldn't have happened if I didn't live in this beautiful city.
Chapter Five
-Clay-
“W
as that Ophelia on the phone?” I asked, a slight hint of hesitation in my voice.
“Yup.” Madeline smiled, stabbing her chicken taco salad with her fork, the hard-shell cracking underneath it.
Now that Holly was gone, Milo spent the majority of his time here with Madeline, and his apartment was all mine. He even told me I could sleep in his bed. A bed. It had been months since I last slept in an actual bed, so of course that's where I rested last night. When Milo came and pulled me from the apartment moments ago, I had no choice but to slip on my shoes and follow him out to his truck, sliding my fingers against my black Tesla as we passed it.
She sat untouched and undriven since I had moved back to Portland. Having no insurance and not a dime to register the plates would do that to a car.
“She’s coming out for the wedding, right?” I asked again, looking down at my own salad.
Madeline nodded. “Yeah, she’s flying out on Thursday, actually. That reminds me.” She turned to look at Milo. “She’s using the guest room.”
Just then, a low grumble came from behind me. I turned and looked at the giant husky on his bed, watching our every move. He licked his nose and shifted his head between his paws but stayed firm on his bed all the same. I cracked a piece of my shell and tossed it in his direction. He was able to just use his tongue to lick it up, not moving his face at all. I chuckled at him and turned my attention back to the conversation.
“Well, that will be interesting,” Milo mumbled. “I have a feeling she won't want me here because ofconfidential wedding stuff?”
“Well,” Madeline kissed his cheek, and I instantly looked away, down to my food. “Yeah. Lots of confidential stuff that you can’t see until the wedding day. So, maybe we have a few nights and then back at your place with Clay?”
“Wait,” I interrupted. “She’s flying out this Thursday? The wedding isn’t until August.”
Madeline nodded. “Yes, Clay, this Thursday. She’s my maid of honor. Did you think being the best man you wouldn’t see her?” She chuckled. “She’ll be here all summer.”
I’d expected to interact with Ophelia during the wedding planning, but I hadn’t thought it would take three months. I’d hoped to talk to her during the wedding rehearsal and maybe ask for a dance at the wedding. Other than that, I’d stay out of her hair. I knew I messed things up when she moved to New York, and if I were being honest with myself, I regretted each and every day since she walked out of my life. Seeing where she was now, looking her up on Instagram every now and then, I knew I didn't fit in her life, especially where I was currently sitting.
Ophelia deserved the world, and I wasdefinitelynot the world.
“So. . .” I mumbled. “Can we make Holly’s room up so I can sleep on her bed?” I asked sheepishly.
