Page 162 of Damaged Mogul
Something foreign tugs low in my heart.
I shake off my stupor. “You’re giving me too much credit.”
“You’renotgiving yourself enough credit.” She holds my gaze. “You’re a unicorn, Lily––the woman who might have the superpower to fix Broken Gage Hollingsworth.”
Chapter 29
Lily
After brunch, Dominika insisted on playing tour guide. I wasn’t going to say no. I like her and the conversation flowed so easily, I didn’t want to put an end to a good thing. It was a fun Sunday afternoon of sightseeing, shopping, and indulging in some of the best homemade ice cream I’ve ever had in my life.
She invited me to her brother-in-law’s place for a barbecue. I was worried it would be awkward, but to my delight, it wasn’t. On the ride back to the hotel, Rod took the wheel. Sitting in the back seat, I was able to witness what Nadine and I have coined#couplegoals.
Sigh.
During the ride to the Pompadour, I kept checking my phone, hoping for a text from Gage.
It was radio silence on his end.
Bummer.
Last night, I learned the hard way what addiction is all about. I tossed and turned, and couldn’t fall asleep alone in theking size bed after two consecutive nights wrapped in Gage’s big, strong arms.
Going back to New York will be a rude awakening.
After an afternoon spent evaluating another film school, I stroll through the lobby of the hotel towards my suite, humming The Bangles’Manic Monday.
A short elevator ride later and I enter my suite, still humming. I change into a bikini before slipping on a sundress. Some women have no problems walking around flaunting it all in the hotel, I’m not that brave. I’m about to head to the pool when my phone rings. I rummage for it inside my tote bag and cringe.
“Crap.” I’m tempted to let it go to voicemail, but that’s only delaying the inevitable. It could’ve been worse. It could’ve been a video call.
I accept the call. “Hello?—”
“What the fuck is this about a new phone number?” My father barks a question in lieu of a polite greeting.
“Hello, Father. It’s been a long time. Thanks so much for asking how I’m doing.”
“Enough with the attitude. Why do you have a new phone number?”
He doesn’t enquire about how I’m doing or about my stay in Los Angeles.
Typical.
I tell him all about my luggage drama and losing my phone somewhere at LAX.
“Why didn’t you call me? I could’ve overnighted a phone to you.”
“That’s fine. I got a new iPhone. I’m good.”
“I could’ve asked someone from the tech team to set up your phone.”
“It wasn’t that complicated.”
“Make sure to get it checked out by the tech team when you return.”
“Why?”
“Don’t argue with me. Just do it.”
