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“We should go.” Race slurs his words and weaves a bit. I agree, and we leave the bar.
“What do you want to do when we get home?” I ask. We briefly talk about watching a movie but finally settle on crashing for the evening. I wouldn't have been able to stay awake for a commercial, let alone a movie.
We are chatting as we wait for our ride home when I spot Brando in a horse carriage. I try to look without looking. Yep, that's him. I catch a glimpse of long hair and figure he's on a date. Either I'm very drunk, or my stomach twists for another reason. The thought of a woman in his life causes tiny electric currents to dance in my belly.
Jealously, perhaps? I chase the feeling away.
Our car arrives, and I get in and put my head on Race's shoulder, content.
“Thank you for defending my honor tonight,” I whisper.
Race grabs my hand. “Anytime, milady.”
We laugh all the way home.
As soon as I’m in my room, my head hits the pillow, and I'm asleep instantly.
That night I dream about Brando, his lips on mine, his hands trailing my back. I’m in my coffee house. It has been renovated to resemble a spaceship. Brando is chasing me down a hallway that never ends, getting closer while I'm running in place. I try to duck into a door, but it's locked. They are all locked, and I'm trapped in this bizarre world, trying to break free.
I wake up startled, sweating, and breathing hard.
But instead of feeling terrified, there is a warm, tingling sensation spreading from my core.
CHAPTER6
BRANDO
After talking to my father,I feel agitated. I pick up Addison from home for our movie and dinner date, trying to hide my irritation. She is excited and waits for me at the door. I let myself be carried away by her good mood.
“Hi, pumpkin. Are you ready for our night on the town?”
This day has drained me, but I don't want to disappoint her. She's been looking forward to our night out, and if I'm being honest, I could use a few hours off from work. Buying the building from Ana made me painfully aware of what I'll be up against when she shows up at the office tomorrow. But once those papers are signed, I’ll be one step closer to expanding the business the way I envisioned.
“Let's go, sweetie. We don't want to be late,” I say.
As we leave, Addison hugs Megan, her nanny, who has cared for her since she was born. She hugs her back and wishes her a good time. Megan has been the only mother figure Addison has known, and they have grown close.
We walk to the elevator, take it down to the garage, and then use the side door to exit onto the street. It's a beautiful night, and we walk through the park, chatting the entire way to Parm. Upon entering, we request a table by the window.
“So, sweetie, what catches your eye?” I ask, perusing my own menu.
“Pizza,” she replies, and I shake my head.
“No, remember, we had pizza for lunch? Choose something else.” The waiter approaches us to take our order.
“I'll have the eggplant parmigiana and a salad, and she'll have…” I pause, waiting for Addison to make her decision.
“I'll have spaghetti with tomato sauce,” she says with a smile.
“And a side of broccoli,” I add firmly.
I have no idea where she puts all this food. It's as if she has a hollow leg.
Our dinner arrives, and we enjoy our meal while observing people around us. People-watching has become one of our favorite activities.
After dinner, we head to the movies, Addison chattering away about a cute new backpack her friend received for her birthday, Ariana Grande's latest album, and the Babysitters Club book series. I listen with one ear while expertly navigating the bustling 57th Street toward the movie theater, ensuring I don't lose her in the crowd. Somewhere between West 72nd and East 57th Street, I'm fairly certain I agreed to take her to the upcoming Taylor Swift concert at Madison Square Garden. But I needn't worry; if I did, Addison will surely remind me no later than tomorrow.
At the theater, we grab popcorn and find our seats. Addison's excitement about watching the movie is evident as she accidentally bumps into me, causing popcorn to spill onto the floor. She gazes at me apologetically and settles into her seat as the lights dim and the movie begins. I reach over and reassure her that it's okay, and just like that, her worried expression transforms into a smile. I wonder if I was similar as a child, always eager to avoid disappointing my dad.
