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I choke on my wine. “You forget it’s all profit. I didn’t buy the condo.” I sound bitter, and yet I should be ecstatic. I want Franklin here to clink our glasses together since he’s the one who made this all happen for me.
“Don’t undersell your worth, Penny. The remodeling on the Malibu house has created a new buzz, and your name is on everyone’s lips.”
It’s why I’m exhausted and had a week from hell. Though it’s a great thing to be in demand, right now, there is only one person I want to whisper my name.
“Has everything settled for Franklin?” I didn’t want to mention his name, only now I can’t get him out of my head.
What will he say about the sale?
Does he know?
“Yes, he called my father and is headed to Singapore and then to Australia for business.” There’s an awkward silence. “I thought he would have told you.”
I suck in a deep breath. “We haven’t spoken much with him being busy.” Our messages have dwindled, with no calls for two weeks. The silence correlates with the condominium being listed for sale.
“Yeah, he’s barely spoken to us. But, Penny, you haven’t asked about the offer.”
“Sorry. What is it?”
“You’ll get double the asking price. I’ll let that settle in. Call me tomorrow so we can finish the paperwork. Have a good night, Penny.”
Fuck.I raise my glass again. I should be on top of the freaking world, but instead, I want to crawl into a corner and cry.
No. Pull yourself together.
I open my emails to an inquiry about a beachside house in Newport Beach, at Peninsula Point. It’s not Crystal Cove, but it’s a step closer to buying my dream house. And this house is on the waterfront.
I am ready to do what’s right for me.
* * *
August…
On Monday evening,I can barely place one foot in front of the other. After moving into my new home, I partied hard with my friends into the early hours on Sunday. Spending time in the sun and swimming in the ocean helped dehydrate my body, along with the alcohol.
Guzzling down a bottle of water, I plop onto the couch and then let out a long sigh before reaching for the remote. Romantic movies are listed, and before I click out, an old one is suggested.Sliding Doors. I remember the storyline and am intrigued by the different paths to love.
Lovewillfind a way…
Are Franklin and I destined to be together?
I reach for my cell.
It’s been two weeks since I last sent a text.
He hasn’t responded.
Let it be. It’s what’s best.
Franklin will only bring heartache with more loneliness.
God, I’m tired.
And lonely.
I tap on his name and listen to the ringtone. If he’s on the other side of the world, he should be asleep. As expected, it goes to his voicemail.
“Hey. I know it’s been a while since we spoke, and I can’t remember if it’s because you’ve been busy or if I’m angry with you or you with me. But I’m assuming you heard I sold the condo. You did tell me I was free to do what I pleased, and it was mine to sell if it was what I wanted. So, I bought a house, an actual house by the ocean. It’s not large and nothing like your Malibu home, but it’s mine.” I let out a long sigh before closing my eyes. “I miss you. I’m lonely without you.”
