Page 255 of Champagne Nights

“Okay. Have a safe trip, and I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

I ended the call and stared out the window.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Henry?”

“We’ll find out, won’t we?” I sighed.

Ellie

“Who is this art dealer?” my mom asked as I packed my suitcase.

“I don’t know. Frankie knows him. He says he’s a great guy.”

“I’m worried, sweetheart.”

“I’m a grown woman, Mom. There’s nothing to worry about. Frankie will be there with me.”

“How long are you going to be gone for? You sure seem to be packing quite a bit,” she signed.

“It’s Malibu.” I grinned. “I need to soak up the sun, run the beach, and check out the sights. I’ve never been to California, so since I’m there, I’m going to take advantage of it.”

“You better call me the second you land, so I know you made it safe,” she signed before giving me a hug.

“I will. Stop worrying so much.”

After she left, I ran the water for a bath. Climbing in, I sunk down into the bubbly water and closed my eyes. Getting out of New York, if only for a few days, was exactly what I needed right now. Seeing Henry again reopened the wound that was trying so hard to heal.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Ellie

My phone lit up with a text message from Frankie, letting me know that he was in the lobby and on his way up. Grabbing my suitcase and my carry-on, I stepped out the door and locked it. As I made my way to the elevator, the doors opened, and Frankie took my suitcase from me.

“Malibu, here we come.” He smiled. “Are you nervous?” he asked as I studied his moving lips.

“No. Not at all. I can’t wait to be on the beach and feel the sand between my toes.”

“Yes! And hear the roaring—oh my God. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s okay.” I smiled. “Nothing you say will offend me.”

When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out of the building and climbed into the car that was waiting for us.

“I never asked you the art dealer’s name,” I spoke.

Instead of answering me, he pulled his phone from his pocket, answered it, and talked until we reached the airport.

“Sorry about that. Work stuff.”

“It’s okay,” I said as we climbed out of the car and grabbed our bags.

The airport was crowded, and by the time we got through security and made it to our gate, people were already boarding. Looking at my ticket, I noticed we were in first class. Frankie was in seat 3C, and I was in the window seat in 3D.

“We can switch if you want to sit by the window,” I said to him.

“If you don’t mind. I’m a nervous flyer as it is, and I don’t like being in the aisle. It feels too open for me. Especially if we hit turbulence.”

“I don’t mind at all.” I grinned.

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