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I understand somewhat what he’s inferring. Only my stomach is already filled with dread.
The door opens. I slide across the seat and step out onto the sidewalk. A flash of the camera while others are raised, only to lower when the photographers realize I’m of no importance.
Royce loops his arm in mine and walks me inside. He speaks with a woman behind a counter, then turns to me. “Mr. Hendricks will see you inside,” he says quietly then leaves me with the woman. She makes a call while I stand awkwardly and alone.
Bloom.
I know of the restaurant and have heard about the food. Never made a reservation as someone like me would need to book months in advance, and that’s if I didn’t get hung up on when I inquired. Bloom is known for Hollywood-star clientele, so how did Franklin get us a last-minute reservation? I clench my purse, playing with the strap.
“Ms. Gilbert,” a man says. I turn to the waiter, who’s wearing a suit. “I’m Aidan, and I’ll be serving you tonight. Please follow me.”
I follow Aidan as we weave around multiple tables to the back corner of the room. He pulls out a chair, and I sit, careful not to catch the white tablecloth and have the contents of the table fall into my lap. Then I hear a loud, familiar, deep, obnoxious laugh, and my entire body stiffens.
The sound penetrates my heart, and I want to stand and dash out the back door.
Where is Franklin?
I don’t want to be here alone.
17
FRANKLIN
Royce drivesto a side alley near a secret back door to the restaurant. I’m about to text Penny when Bill’s name appears on my screen.
“Bill.”
“I just spoke to Theo. You need to call him.”
“Now?”
“It’s about the resort in Bali.”
“What about it?”
“Call Theo.”
“For fuck’s sake.” I stare at the blue door. It’s a contrast against the red-brick building, and it’s calling to me like a secret getaway so I can forget all this bullshit for a few hours.
“Thanks for the heads-up. Say high to Bridgette for me.”
“I will. We’re heading out to dinner now.”
Burdening Bill with trivial things about my life is something I’ve never done. He gives me ninety percent of his time, and it’s not his fault when deals sour. He deserves a private social life, and if anyone should forfeit their time, it’s me.
I call Theo.
“Franklin.”
“I’m about to have dinner with the most beautiful girl in the world, so this better be good.”
“Anyone I know?”
“No.”
There’s a moment of silence.
“The last thing I want is to deliver bad news on a Friday night. I didn’t realize you were out.”
