Page 105 of From West, With Regret

Mother fucker.

THIRTY

LONDON

Living my life with all my memories is something I’m still getting used to. I’ve never felt more certain of myself.

I stand close to the end of the bar, talking with Kingsten Capuleti, beloved former mayor of New York City, and Julianna’s dad.

“Your display here, London, will make a great asset to the city,” Kingsten boasts, gesturing around the room.

“Thank you, sir.” My cheeks heat, and I look down at my half-drunk mint julep. West made it quickly, adding extra mint, just the way I like it. Ever since that day in his apartment, I haven’t been able to dispel the heat that consumes my cheeks when watching him mash the mint with the muddler.

“I placed a sizeable bid on one of them myself,” Kingston adds, lifting his hand in the air. “Let’s hope I win.” He finishes off the rest of the cocktail Lewis made him.

“Not so fast, Mr. Capuleti,” Asher says, holding Charleigh close to him. “I put my name behind yours, so you may want to keep an eye out. I’m not afraid of a little competition.”

“Well, shit.” Kingsten hisses, turning toward the auctionarea. Not a single hair on his head moves, practically glued together with the amount of gel he’s used.

“Did you forget Asher is a real estate CEO, Mr. Capuleti? He’s a master negotiator and never backs down from a good bidding war.” Charleigh laughs and lightly taps Asher, looking up at him with a smile. With their wedding planned for next summer, Asher and Charleigh have spent most of their summer and fall travelling around the world. It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve talked outside of our girls’ group chat or even had a girls’ night out. I’m just glad she’s happy.They’rehappy.

Asher looks sharp in his black tux, the perfect complement to Charleigh’s bright, flowered, sequin dress.

“You’re right, Ms. Keeler. I guess I shouldn’t get too comfortable, then.” Kingsten turns his attention back to us. “The auctioned pieces add a nice touch to this unveiling of the bar, Ms. Walker. What charity organization are the proceeds going to again?”

“Foster Alliance. It helps children in foster care receive proper clothing items and beds, as well as personal care items.”

“Admirable cause,” he praises, the wrinkles in the corners of his eyes deepening. “You know when I was running my campaign for mayor?—”

“Dad!” Julianna groans, appearing from behind Kingsten, flipping her long, brown hair. “You aren’t boring my girl London, are you?” She stands beside him and nudges his shoulder.

“Of course not, Jules.” Kingsten frowns, elbowing her back, his mouth morphing into a face-splitting grin.

Julianna laughs, wrapping her hand around her father’s arm. She leans forward and scrunches her nose in my direction, teasing. “Sorry if he was. He hasn’t been mayor in years, but sometimes I still catch him talking politics. I think it’s in his DNA.”

I giggle, my eyes shifting to West standing close the row of drawings up for auction. Including the one of our home in Brooklyn. I was hesitant to put it up, but I wanted to raise as much money as possible for the foster charity.

West is wearing my favorite suit of his. The deep green with black lapels does something to my insides, and every time I look at him, I still can’t believe he’s mine. He’s breathtaking.

We found each other again and came out the other side of what was an ugly period in our lives.

I am absolutely head over heels, madly in love with Weston Knight.

The Veiled Door looks completely different from the day of Heath’s funeral. Unlike the sad, quiet vibe I felt then, now it is vibrant and full of life. It’s living and breathing, surrounded bymyartwork.

All four walls are decorated with my sketches of the city, professionally framed and preserved, matching the vibe of the bar, celebrating the city that’s become my new home. Situated against the farthest wall, toward the back, is a long table with each piece on display behind it. Clipboards are set in front of each one, open for guests to place their best bids.

I’ve barely taken the time to walk around the room and admire my own work, to really let it sink in. I’ve never seen The Veiled Door as packed as it is tonight.

There’s a red carpet running down the length of the pavement outside the front door. West hired an entire security team to handle admissions and flow of traffic. Last I heard, the line stretches to at least the end of the block.

West is busy talking with Selene and the man she has her arm hooked around, when their attention is pulled away by Emily Rapture. I smile, excited to see all of them together.

“Would you excuse me?” I ask, turning to the group I’m standing with.

All four shift their attention to me. They nod, and Julianna reaches out, squeezing my hand before I turn away. I leave them, anxious to not only be with West again, but to meet the man my sister is seeing. I’m nearly halfway to them when my phone vibrates in my hand. I turn it over and read the screen, my stomach dropping.

Unknown Number. Again.

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