Page 254 of Champagne Nights

“That sounds kind of creepy,” I said.

“He’s a really great guy. He’s been in here a few times, and we talked. I’d go with you, so you don’t have to travel alone.”

“I’ve traveled alone plenty of times. Do you think I can’t because I’m deaf?”

“Oh my God, Ellie. No. That’s not what I meant. I just thought you’d feel safer if I was there. In fact, I insist.”

“What about your gallery?”

“I have staff here who can watch it while I’m gone. It’ll only be a few days.”

“A few days?”

“It’s Malibu, baby. You don’t go to Malibu for one day. You soak up the sun, run the beach, check out the sights.”

“I don’t know, Frankie.” I bit down on my bottom lip.

“It’ll be an adventure. When was the last time you had one of those?”

“True. I guess a change of scenery would do me good.”

“So good, Ellie.” He gripped my shoulders.

“Okay. When do we leave?” I grinned.

“I’ll give him a call later, tell him we’re coming, and I’ll let you know.”

“Okay. I guess I better go start packing.”

Henry

As I walked out of the building, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my ringing phone.

“Well?”

“She’s going. But I had to persuade her a little bit. She thought it was fucking creepy, bro. Just like I told you it sounded.”

“I knew you could do it, Frankie. Are you traveling with her?” I asked as I climbed into the back of the limo.

“Yeah. I told her she’d feel safer if I came.”

“Good. I’ve already booked you two a flight for the day after tomorrow. Check your email for the details and your tickets. When you get to LAX, a driver will hold up a sign with Ellie’s name on it in the baggage claim area. After you get to Malibu, a rental car will be waiting for you in the driveway.”

“Bro, I hate lying to Ellie like this. She’s going to hate me.”

“She might be mad, but she isn’t going to hate you. She’ll get over it.”

“Right. Cause you’re doing all this because she got over what you did.”

“It’s not the same, Frankie, and you know it. Thanks, man. I owe you big time for this.”

“You do, Henry. But you’d do the same for me.”

“Damn right, I would.”

“Are you flying out tomorrow?”

“Yeah. First thing in the morning.”

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