Page 6 of Chandelier Enthralled
He looked surprised. “Shedding the old you? Something must have happened.”
I flopped on his couch. “Tell me about that guy. He’s cute.”
“He’s gone.”
“I thought he was staying?” I felt disappointed.
“He had to be somewhere.”
Reaching for a pillow, I hugged it, thinking about the handsome man. He was a
young Brando type with the same rugged jawline and piercing eyes, oozing sex appeal in that suit crafted by a European tailor. I wanted to know more about him.
“What does he do?”
“I’m more interested in what you’ve been up to.” Cameron became serious. “Is Hugo staying in New York?’
My eyes stung from suppressing unwelcome tears.
“Talk to me,” he said gently.
“I needed a change.”
“You told me you’d never leave New York.”
I sat back, too tired to sleep and too tired to be awake. It was 3:00 A.M. back home. Though it wasn’t my home now. My heart ached for the place I could never return.
“Willa, did something happen?”
His question shook me out of my dark reverie. “No.” The truth felt too bitter. Saying it out loud would made it real.
“Are you going to sell your penthouse?” He folded his arms, his brotherly love shining through.
“I suppose.”
Cameron’s frown deepened. “I’ll help.”
“Can I stay here until I find a place?”
“Of course.” His shoulders relaxed. “Having you closer means—”
“We can hang out.”
“We’d love that. Want to help with our philanthropy?”
“Sure.” But not with the business—our tea empire—the force that had tugged me into a life I’d never wanted.
Cameron came over and sat on the arm of the couch. “It’s over with Hugo?”
“Yes.” Still felt strange to admit it.
Cameron looked thoughtful. “Is he still there?”
“He’s looking for a place.” I felt a physical pain in my chest and put a hand there to soothe the ache of my loss.
Cameron watched my reaction.
“Don’t,” I said, not ready to talk.
