Page 38 of Broken

They weren’t nude, she was clothed in all of them. The drawings displayed raw sadness in their beauty. Garrett has a real attachment to that woman. As an artist myself I couldn’t help but be drawn to it. Damn, I shouldn’t have looked.

The painting on the wall intrigued me when I was last in there. When I wasn’t freaking out about Garrett touching me, I was staring at the painting. How is he capable of something so beautiful, when he can be so cruel?

“You ready?”

Ruby, Jericho and a couple of others are ready to head to the club. Lucky says they’ll follow soon, she needs to wrangle the champagne off Shane first.

I’ve never been more grateful to leave a building in my life. Garrett coming to a nightclub seems out of character. It doesn’t strike me as his vibe. I’m not sure what his vibe is.

Apart from getting me so worked up I could have jumped on his dick without a second thought.

Then he tossed me aside. Again.

Only this time it is so much worse. I’m never coming back here. I’ll never be able to look him in the eye.

At the club, it’s so loud Sin doesn’t get a chance to ask questions. She wants to, I can see it in her eyes. I reassure her by letting myself go, mingling with the crowd, joining in with drinking games, and dancing with Shane.

Everyone makes a big deal of him being legal. He’s kind of cute when he’s drunk. Happy and smiley and wanting to hug everyone.

For the first time in years, I let go and get drunk. After some initial scrutiny, Sin lightens up and gets drunk with me.

Garrett doesn’t show up.

Even drunk, I’m eternally grateful for that.

I’ve avoided Friday happy hour for three weeks. It’s getting harder to come up with excuses, especially to Ruby, who sees me every day and knows there is nothing wrong with me.

They’re not the people I want to avoid. Well, Sin maybe. Because my best friend is very astute. She’s let me get away with it so far. That won’t go on much longer.

“Calli, you in there?”

“What? Oh, sorry,” I straighten up and turn to Ruby. Expecting a customer, I’m surprised to see it’s only her. It’s been slow the nearer it gets to closing time. Not unusual for a Tuesday.

“Your head has been in the clouds all day,” she remarks.

“Sorry, I’ve got some things on my mind.”

“Anything I can help with?” Ruby straightens up from the counter.

She’s a good friend, the kind who will do anything for you. I never had that in San Antonio. The longer I’m here, the more I’m learning how much I was missing out.

I’d like to say it offsets the fact I can no longer do the job I love, but there is still an ache in my chest when I think of it.

It’s not like it will never be possible again. In a new state, the stigma that is attached to my name will never be far removed. It’s a small industry and the controversy that surrounded the downfall of my company is fresh.

Potential clients researching which architect to use will unearth the whole shit storm. My name changed after thedivorce, but if I share my credentials with anyone, they’ll find out who I am.

Ruby is talking to me, and I’ve zoned out again.

“Are you sure you’re alright Calli?”

“I’m fine, honestly.”

“Okay,” she says slowly. “If you’re sure. Are you going to come to the festival on Saturday?”

“The festival?”

“Yeah, the Harbor Harvest Festival. There will be market stalls, food and crafts, entertainment, music and artists. It’s usually a blast. We’re allowed to shut up for the day because the owner’s wife opens a coffee stall on the day, so it offsets any loss here.”

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