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What will you find?
No sparkling streams, no shimmering greens.
Hollow and desperate to feed on a soul,
But no soul is enough
To smoothen this diamond in the rough.
Natalie held back tears and folded her daughter’s poem. She tucked it back inside the sketchbook and took a breath.
I’m so sorry, Aria. I’m sorry for not being a better mother to you.
She curled up in bed and hugged her daughter’s old teddy bear. Natalie was unhappy in her marriage for a long time, butshe didn’t want her children to suffer the side effects of divorce, which was why she always stayed with Rob. She was missing Aria and prayed she would return to New York for university.
After twenty minutes of quiet reflection, Natalie finally fell asleep and dreamed about a life that could have been… with Noah Hunter.
CHAPTER SIX
ARIA
That motorcycle ride was a rush. It felt incredible to actuallyfeelthe speed of the bike. I had held on to Evan so tightly; I worried I had squeezed his diaphragm too hard, but we reached his place in one piece. He parked next to his Impala in the underground garage before we took an elevator up to his loft.
“You’re gonna fall over again.” He chuckled as I released his shoulder.
“I can stand.”
Leaning against the steel surface, I watched the numbers in the elevator slowly light up in timed intervals. My feet were sore. I couldn’t wait to take my shoes off.
“I didn’t picture myself coming over to your place so drunk for the first time.”
“That makes the two of us.”
I stared at him, unsure of how to respond. “I like your hair—looks good.”
“Thanks.” He smiled as the elevator came to a stop. “After you.”
Stepping out on his floor, I suddenly lost my balance, but Evan caught me just in time… again.
“I… am…sosorry.”
“It’s all right, love.” He chuckled, carrying me in his arms down the hall.
I’m so embarrassed.I had never been this drunk.
Reaching his suite, I expected him to put me down, but he didn’t.
“Can you do me a favor, Aria?”
I nodded.
“Reach into my front right pocket and grab my key.”
“You can put me down. I’ll use the wall to help me walk.”
“No, it’s fine, sweetheart. Grab my keys and open the door.”
“Okay.” I did as he asked and nearly touched his crotch before I found his pocket.
