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My mother was horrified that I was living above the coffee shop, as my parents had offered to purchase me a home as a graduation gift. But I was determined to use the money in my trust and start making it work for me. I had a few girlfriends who’d also come from wealthy families, and they’d spent the months after graduation traveling through Europe, while I’d been here, working on my business plan and renovating the building.
I’d never been that girl. Sure, I liked pretty clothes and nice things, but I’d always worked hard. I had a part-time job in college, and I liked earning my own money. People always thought everything I had was handed to me. When I’d been accepted to one of the most prestigious universities in California, I’d heard endless comments from people saying that they were certain my grandfather had pulled strings to get me in. I knew if I’d countered back and let them know that I’d received a full academic scholarship for all four years, I’d then be labeled a bitch for sounding full of myself. So, I’d bit my tongue. But I’d worked my ass off in high school, and that had continued in college.
I wanted to make a name for myself outside of my family. To prove that I was worthy of the things that I had.
My family had had their fair share of heartache, and I wanted to make them proud.
When I pushed the door to my apartment open, I couldn’t help but smile at the place. Rustic plank wood floors ran throughout the apartment. The small white kitchen had a colorful ceramic backsplash, which gave it some character. I’d gotten one of those adorable old-fashioned light-blue refrigerators that had been in the design plan to fit perfectly in the small space. There was a rustic butcher block square island, which was where I ate my meals most of the time, and a white couch with cozy throw pillows and a pink blanket tossed over the arm that sat in the small living room beside the kitchen. I’d added white Roman shades to keep the room bright and light, and my bedroom and bathroom were similar in style. I was calling this vibe: French farmhouse chic.
Even if it was an 800-square-foot apartment with no yard, it was all mine. I fell back on the couch and sighed. I was a country girl at heart. Always had been. And someday, I planned to own a ranch with my own horses, but for the time being, I’d have to goto my parents’ or my grandparents’ to ride Teacup. For now, the plan was to keep my head down and work hard.
Laughter from the street below wafted into my apartment, and I pushed up on my knees to look outside. Romeo was coming out of his gym with a little kid who looked to be around five or six years old, and they were holding hands. The young boy was wearing a leather coat, and his hair was slicked back as he gazed up at the man beside him. Romeo’s smile was wide, and it took my breath away as I watched.
He really is a beautiful man, even if he is a raging asshole.
And he clearly knew how to smile when he didn’t hate the person in his presence. I wondered if this was his kid. I suppose it was possible. I was twenty-two, and I was fairly certain that he was a year or two older than me, so maybe he had a whole family that I didn’t know about.
I turned around and fell back against the couch when my phone vibrated and took in the message from my brother.
Slade
Hey, sis. I miss you. I’m back in town, but let’s not tell the parents just yet. Want to have dinner?
My eyes welled as my fingers lingered over the screen. Slade had always been my best friend—until he wasn’t. Until he’d completely changed. And I’d missed him terribly. After several stints in rehab, I’d stopped getting my hopes up… or at least I’d tried to. My parents had washed their hands of him after the last incident at our house a year ago. My grandfather continued paying for rehab, and he and I both believed that even if we didn’t know what the outcome would be, we’d never stop trying. Because once we all gave up on him, he’d give up on himself.
Hi. Of course. I’d love to see you. Should we meet at the Golden Goose?
The Golden Goose was a diner in town we’d been going to since we were kids. We both loved the milkshakes and french fries.
Slade
I don’t want Mom and Dad to know I’m here. But I want to see your new place. The business and the apartment. That’s why I came home for the weekend. I’m proud of you. How about we order takeout?
I swiped at the tear running down my cheek.
Hope was a risky emotion when you were dealing with addiction. I’d grieved the loss of my brother in many ways over the years, but every now and then, I’d get glimpses of him, which I was grateful for.
This felt like a glimpse of him.
I’d love that. See you soon.
three
. . .
Romeo
“Damn.You’re wasting your talent, training and sparring with guys like me, and you know it,” Sergio said, as I moved around him, using my hand to encourage him to throw a few more punches. “You belong in the ring with that clown who won’t stop babbling about you, Romeo.”
“Stay focused,” I demanded.
He threw a right hook that I easily dodged, and I jabbed at him a few times, hoping to make him mad enough to light a fire in him. He had a fight in a few weeks, and he was completely slacking.
“I need a break,” he said, as he rested his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
“Serg, if you don’t start pushing yourself, you’re going to be in trouble when you get in that ring.”
“I know. Tomorrow, all right?” He guzzled some water before lifting the ropes and exiting the ring.
