Page 74 of 7 Miles High
Chapter 22
Natalie
That’s it. How many other incidents will I need to prove to myself I’ve once again chosen poorly? Staying at the wrap party was impossible after being left to fend for myself. It was embarrassing to have to ask if any of Parker’s friends knew where he went. Ridiculous, really.
Now back in our room I’m at the place I don’t know what to do. It’s been a few hours. I have his phone, but don’t tell me he can’t find another. In this era it’s the one thing we know we can find for sure. We’re lousy with access to phones.
The hardest part of this whole thing is that I won’t look away. Not from the fact he didn’t tell me where he was going, or hasn’t called. Or the one thing that tells me the most. She left at the same exact time. It’s no coincidence. That’s what I would have said pre Alex. I would have leaned into the excuse and believed nothing could ever tear us apart. Fool, fool, fool.
I start packing. How am I going to do this? Okay. First I’ll change my reservation. Instead of flying out tomorrow afternoon I’ll leave in the morning if possible. Thank God I came from Santa Barbara. It would have been bad if I had to go back to his house for anything. No. I can make a clean break from this. I’m going to change rooms first. Wait. He could find me if he wanted. I’m going to try to change hotels. There will be no note. That’s for certain. I take out his phone and leave it on the table.
He didn’t have enough respect for me to let me know where he was going. Payback is a bitch. I feel the tears well and as soon as it happens I let go.
* * *
My condo looks different. Feels different. Didn’t expect that one. I thought things would look better in the morning. But they don’t. Let me check my cell. It took all I have to turn it off last night after I saw he hadn’t called by midnight.
Oh. Mr. Dunn decided to grace me with a call? Twelve actually.Don’t listen. Don’t even listen to one of his excuses.This is the moment when I prove I’m a woman of my word. It’s where I decide who I am. Am I still a person who avoids the obvious at my own peril? Or do I take this as opportunity? Grow up, and apply the lesson learned. I delete the messages.
The cell sounds. Him again. I’ve got to face it or change my number. Besides, there’s a little bit in me that wants to tell him to go fuck himself.
“What?”
“Natalie! Thank God. Why…”
“Don’t you ask me any questions. The only reason I answered is to tell you to lose my number.”
“Listen to me, damnit! At least give me that!”
Fuck. I start crying and I don’t want him to know.
“Babe…”
“Don’t call me that! You’ve lost the privilege. Forget you know my name altogether.”
“Natalie! Nia’s mother.”
“I don’t give a SHIT ABOUT NIA’S MOTHER!”
I can’t slam down a receiver like I did when I was a teenager. So I disconnect with extreme prejudice. Then I block his number, delete his email address and head for the shower.
I’m walking and breathing and doing all the things required of me to get through the day. Turning on the water, I wait for half a minute then step inside the shower. My toes flinch on the cold tile as the water hits my body. I just stand under the spray trying to wash away thoughts of him. But to no avail. He’s present whether I purposely bring him to mind or not.
Memories of Parker and I making love right here flash through my mind. Son of a bitch. He works his way in without effort. What was he trying to tell me? What about her mother? I know they were close even though he felt sorry for her. That’s what he told me when he talked about both mother and daughter’s drinking problems.
Was that it? Was Nia so out of it she needed a ride to the hotel? NO! That wouldn’t be a good reason for him to leave me sitting there like a clueless wallflower. I apply a palmful of shampoo and get lost in my thoughts. Again.
But what if he actually had a good reason? Something so valid I’d have to admit my mistake. What in heaven’s name could that be? My cell pings and I wipe the steam off the glass door. Looking through I see the nameLux Dubai.
What? I haven’t heard from them since they sent the email explaining I wouldn’t be getting the exclusive on the condos. They went with a French team, who did a great job for them. I’ve followed the success of the sales. There’re only three condos left out of over a hundred.
What could they want? I quickly wash out the suds and step out. I need to see this.
Wrapping the towel around my hair I stand dripping on the bathmat. I scroll through the message.
Dear Ms. Coleman,
I hope this finds you well. Last we spoke I mentioned there might be a future project of ours you’d be interested in possibly representing. In November we are going to be releasing our first development with expatriates in mind. With your expertise in Southern California properties and your client list that rivals most others, I think we would work well together. Shall we take a meeting and discuss the possibilities? If you find this interesting please let me know. As before, you’d be living here in Dubai for a period of one year, the duration of your contract with us.
