Page 15 of Phoenix

“I will be.”

“If you need me, just holler,” he says, as he slides a keycard into my hand.

“Thank you, Carson.” I reach up on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek, then head over to the elevator, taking the two floors down to the basement indoor pool.

The scent of the chlorine caresses my senses the minute the doors slide open. I take a deep breath and let it soak in.

Walking to the large glass door, I slide the keycard through the reader and push it open when it unlocks.

The pool is empty, as expected, so I place my bags on one of the chairs on the edge and begin to undress, stripping down to my bra and panties.

I don’t think. I don’t hesitate. I dive, headfirst, into the cool water. The gentle roar it provides when I sink beneath the surface is like a drug. It swaddles me like a blanket, keeping me tucked in and safe.

I don’t know how long I swim. I don’t know how many laps I complete. I don’t stop until my limbs are burning in exhaustion. Only then do I pull myself up at the ledge with complete clarity. I flip my wrist over and slide my thumb over the tattoo that resides there. A small, red phoenix rising from the ashes. Me.

I swim over to where I’ve left my belongings and climb out. I shake my hand dry and pull my cell from my purse sending off one text message.

Me: Amelia...About that offer...I accept.

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