Page 202 of Enthrall Shadows
“And de Sade’s all showmanship,” he agreed.
“He’s essentially a good person.”
Richard held out his hand and tilted it side to side as though to say my assertion was debatable.
“I would have been intimidated by all that testosterone at her age.”
Richard smiled. “You?”
“Okay, I’m going. Give Andrea my love. Tell her I want to see her.”
“She adores you.”
“Love you, baby.” I stepped out onto the curb and turned to wave goodbye.
He waved back and then focused on his phone. I imagined he was texting Andrea. On the way here his dashboard had lit up with a slew of incoming texts from her, though he’d not been able to read them.
I guessed he’d been itching to message her.
I’d offered to read them, but he’d told me they could wait. If important, she’d have called.
Richard parked close to Cole Tower.
Peering up at the buildings, I felt humbled by these towering skyscrapers, noticing the glint of sunrays off Cole Tower. It was one of the most impressive buildings in the city, named after Cameron as C. R. Cole Tower. I wondered how Henry felt about that.
Turning slightly, I paused when I caught sight of the most prominent billboard opposite Cole Tower. It featured the sophisticated image of a woman on a sundeck sipping iced Cole Tea as she took in the view of the Amalfi Coast. I recognized the location from the colorful homes and that deep blue sea. Their brand screamed luxury, sayingyou deserve the best.That paying a little more for a superior product reflected how you treated yourself.
I liked that.
I’d grown up poor so any chance to spoil myself was greeted with gratitude. I’d watched my mom put herself second all of the goddamned time.
Living my best life was my way of making her sacrifice mean something.
It wasn’t about things, though.
It was about moments.
Passing the businesses, I kept an eye out for a bakery. Now and again, a luxury store popped up. Passing an expensive flower shop I wondered how many people would see this as a saving grace for that last minute gift.
Though flowers weren’t right for what I had in mind.
Truffle by Jason Wu was a great name for a restaurant. Glancing through the window, I could see into the packed place. I imagined with this kind of real estate the prices for an entrée would be exorbitant.
The rich red décor and dark wood looked inviting. The tables were occupied by business suit types. It was a convenient place for lunch meetings.
I froze, my gut twisting.
Henry sat in one of the booths—only he wasn’t alone. A young woman sat to his left. Reese sat on the other side with her head resting on his shoulder.
His fingers were intertwined with hers.
Reese had ditched the khakis and wore a Burberry vintage dress, her white-blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders. Her rare, earthy beauty emphasized by classy makeup.
He hadn’t told me she’d be in town.
My throat felt tight, like I was having an allergic reaction—or like I’d been poisoned. My heart was racing and I had to force the breath back into my lungs.
We’d talked about being exclusive—right up until he’d walked out on me.
