AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Today, it is.” Callie links her arm with mine.
* * *
In store after store, we dive into racks of clothes, textures and colors blending together.
Callie tosses a slinky dress over the fitting room door, and I catch it, the fabric cool against my skin.
“Try it on!” Her voice is a command wrapped in excitement.
Slipping into the dress, I scrutinize myself in the mirror. It clings in all the right places, accentuating curves I often hide. My reflection surprises me…
“Wow,” I breathe out, meeting my own gaze.
“Let me see!” Callie’s insistent knocking follows her words.
Stepping out, I watch her reaction—the wide eyes, the open mouth.
“Hot damn, Brie. You’re on fire!”
I laugh, a sound that feels light and airy, like the bubbles in champagne. For a moment, the complications of my heart don’t weigh so heavy.
“Okay, okay,” I concede, twirling once. “Maybe this shopping thing isn’t so bad after all.”
“Knew you’d come around.” Callie beams, her approval wrapping around me like a warm embrace. “Now let’s find you a few more options. Conrad won’t know what hit him.”
“Or Levi or Grayson,” I add, a flicker of daring igniting in my chest.
“Or them.” Callie winks, and we dive back into the fray of fabrics and possibilities, our laughter mingling with the hum of the city around us.
32
BRIELLE
The sizzle of bacon fills the kitchen as I flip another slice, golden and crispy, onto the mounting pile on the plate.
“Morning, Dad,” I say, sliding the plate in front of him. “Hope your heart’s ready for this.”
He chuckles, the sound warm like the morning sun streaming through the window. His fork dives into the crispy heap. “Brielle, you trying to clog my arteries?”
“Never,” I tease, pouring myself a cup of coffee. “Just making sure you remember me when I’m off on my field trip.”
“Ah, that’s right.” He chews thoughtfully, then looks up at me with those soft eyes that seem to see right through me. “Conrad’s class, isn’t it? Where are you heading again?”
“A museum in New York,” I reply, leaning against the counter. “There’s this exhibit on Greek Gods. It’ll be epic.”
“Sounds educational,” Dad says with a nod, spearing another piece of bacon. “You always did love your mythology.”
“Yep, something about those capricious gods and their messy lives.” I smile, taking a sip of my coffee, feeling the warmth spread down my throat. “Makes ours seem simple in comparison.”
“Nothing simple about gods,” Dad agrees, his gaze holding mine for a moment.
I tuck my phone into my purse, ensuring it’s within easy reach. “I’ll text you when we land,” I promise Dad, catching the flicker of concern in his gaze.
“Call if you need anything, alright?” he says, his voice a mix of fatherly protectiveness and understanding that I’m not a child anymore.
“Of course, Dad. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” I try to sound more confident than I feel. The thought of navigating the busy streets of New York adds an edge to my nerves, but I push it down. I will be safe. I have to be.
With a final hug that feels like a shield against the world, I grab my bag and head to the airport. The hum of conversations and the clatter of luggage wheels fill the space as I weave through the crowd, looking for my group.
