Page 37 of The Curve
“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure your big brother makes it home,” says Janine.
Everyone’s staring but nobody’s wondering what we’re up to. Bristol and her date, Brick and his, and Ken and Janine look like they’re waiting for details, and I wouldn’t put it past a few of them to ask. Fortunately, Lucinda and Boone save us.
“Did y’all have a good night?” Boone says.
“It was great, Daddy,” Bristol sighs.
“What about you, Miss Charlotte? Did you have fun?”
“I had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for such a beautiful party.”
Lucinda takes her husband’s arm. She blows kisses to the last stragglers. “We’re off to bed, children. Remember brunch tomorrow is at eleven. Is that too early for anyone?”
Everyone’s agreeable except for Atticus who speaks up. “I’m not sure we’re gonna make it, Mom. Start without us.”
Brick and Bristol start the teasing. Then Ken joins in. If I’m not blushing now, I never will be.
“Why? What’re you gonna be doing that’s more important than Grandma Birdie’s brunch?” says Brick, blowing out a perfect cigar ring.
“We’re going to swing by at nine and pick you two up,” Bristol adds.
“Stop teasing your brother and Charlotte!” Lucinda orders. Turning to me she adds, “Just ignore them and do whatever you’ve got planned. There’ll be other brunches.”
She touches my arm and gives a wink. I think I love this family.
* * *
When the doorto his Penthouse opens, I’m stunned. Never have I seen anything like this. Two-story glass walls overlooking the Memphis skyline. From here I can see the spa and infinity pool with dark water, looking as if you’d swim right off the roof.
He lets me walk ahead and take in the wonder of this place.
“This is spectacular, Atticus. My god.”
He places his keys and cell in a bowl by the front door and comes up behind me. I feel his strong arms slip around me and then the warm kiss on my neck. “Let’s get in bed. I’ll give you the tour tomorr...later today.”
“I need a shower. There’s forest all over me.” I giggle.
“Leave it. We’ll shower together when we wake up. Come on,” he says taking my hand and leading me toward the bedroom. “I want to fall asleep with you. Wanna spoon?”
My heart melts into a puddle of happiness. I follow.
Walking into the bedroom I’m almost bowled over by the luxury and size of it. He chose colors close to mine, everything in shades of grey and white with accents of black. I could fit ten of my bedrooms inside this one sprawling space. The view is even more impressive than the living room. There’s a fireplace and a sitting area with a huge television and a soft wide chaise. The bed is to die for. Simple lines, big soft pillows, nicer bedding than I’ve ever seen.
“You did a great job. This bedroom!”
“You think you could be happy here?”
He snuck that comment in as if it’s just a casual thought, and I have no idea how to answer.
“Who couldn’t?” I say.
“Come with me,” he says walking to the double doors across the room.
“Is that the king’s red room?” I tease.
He opens both doors. “It’s my closet.”
Talk about jaw-dropping. “This looks like the most exclusive men’s store in New York.”
