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Paul.
“What’s happening?” My eyes are on Penny while I take the call.
“I know you said to call only if it’s an emergency. Well, shit has gone down. We need to be in New York by tomorrow.”
Penny stares at me, her lips thin with worry.
If my lawyer is anxious, I’m sure it’s written all over my face.
30
PENNY
Eleven daysof barely talking to Franklin.
I miss him.
Every day, I receive a text before he falls asleep. It’s usually along the lines of…Wish I was there with you.
Following our day in Crystal Cove, we drove back to the condominium after I agreed to it and declined any payment for the renovation and redecoration of his Malibu home. However, the cost of the condominium is triple the figures in the contract.
It still feels wrong to accept such a generous gift.
We sat on the balcony at twilight. For a few minutes, it was only the two of us before he had to rush away to pack prior to Royce driving him to his family’s jet.
He gave me the codes and the number of a trusted mover. Not that I had much furniture to shift because my new residence is fully furnished so I donated my old bed to charity.
It has everything I need, for which I’m grateful. Franklin left the decorating to me to carry out in my own time. He said I could sell the couch and dining table or all of it if they’re not to my liking. Franklin ordered what he thought would appeal to me, and he was spot-on.
It’s Friday night, and the sun is low in the sky when I arrive back atmynew condominium. Hugh, Sienna, and Zara will soon arrive to celebrate my move. The wine and food I ordered will be delivered shortly. A chime notifies me of visitors in the lobby.
After checking the screen, I wait by the glass doors for them to appear. Hugh exits the elevator, holding a wine bottle. Zara has a box with a ribbon, and Sienna is carrying more bags.
I press the button, and the glass doors part for my friends to enter my home.
“This is fancy,” Sienna says, eyes wide as she turns, checking out the space.
“It is. Here, allow me to take those from you.” I unpack the crackers, chocolate, and chips and giggle under my breath. “It looks like food for a movie night, not a celebration.”
“Honey, we’re celebrating all night with you, and it will probably turn into movies on that big-ass screen of yours.”
I turn to the massive television. “Yeah. I’m developing a relationship with that thing lately. It’s just the two of us.”
“We’re here to fix that.” Hugh spins in the kitchen. “Where do I find glasses for the champagne?”
I barely remember myself, so I go in search of the crystal glasses and then pour the champagne. We head out onto the balcony to watch the orange glow of the sunset between the surrounding buildings. Standing by the railing, we clink our glasses. For a moment, I think about what it would be like sitting with Franklin every night at sunset at his Malibu Beach house.
Romantic evenings together, just the two of us.
Or will it be just me?
“This is a little something from the three of us.” Zara hands me the large box with a pink ribbon. Hugh takes my drink so I can unwrap it, which I do, and lift the lid.
“Oh, it’s beautiful, thank you.” I raise the white ceramic curved vase from the box.
Zara smiles. “For when Franklin buys you flowers.”
“Or if you buy your own flowers,” Sienna adds.
