Page 55 of Before Dawn

I liked it.

A little after noon, I finally pushed away from my desk. My suit was ready for pickup at Wilkes Bashford, and I needed a breather.

Just as I was about to head out, my mother stopped me at the door.

“Hijo,29 the engagement party is canceled.”

I frowned. “Canceled?”

She nodded. “TíaRosalina30 called. It’s off, and I already called to have your suit sent to New York instead.”

“Alright then.” I kissed her cheek, not pressing for details. “Gracias, Mamá.”31

With my evening suddenly free, I turned toward Emilia’s room, knocking once. No answer. I knocked again, then pushed the door open. Empty.

Hm.

Shrugging, I retreated to my room, grabbed the remote and flipped onYou. I had cleared my schedule for this damn party, and now I had nothing to do but lounge around and let TV fill the silence.

Then, my phone buzzed.

Abigail.

The canceled party, the annoying meetings, the nitpicking—all of it faded as I opened her text, already feeling the grin forming on my face.

@abi_asher:You forgot me already? Lol.

Forget her?That was becoming more and more impossible.

Me:If only that were the case, Red.

@abi_asher:Hm?

Me:I had back to back meetings this morning.

@abi_asher:How was it?

Me:It was okay. Just a bit repetitive.

Me:How’s your day?

@abi_asher:I’ve been packing, so that’s fun.

Me:Packing? You’re leaving San Fran so soon?

@abi_asher:I’m moving to NYC permanently.

God’s on my side.

Me:Are you excited?

@abi_asher:Should I be?

Me:You should.

@abi_asher:Why?

me:Broadway shows, amazing pizza and great company.