Page 36 of Awestruck at Dusk
Out of the blue, I was reminded of Caleb’s letter. It was right there beside me inside my nightstand drawer. Pulsing. Waiting for me to read it. My hand moved involuntarily to open the drawer as I contemplated reading it.
Another text from Nathan popped up on my screen, making me shut the drawer. It wasn’t the time to read it. I’d need an entire weekend alone to do so, and Nathan was on his way. I stood up from the bed and wished I could stay here instead as I took my robe off.
The dress was beautiful, and it fitted me perfectly. It was heavy from all the beading but not as much to make it uncomfortable. Just enough to remind you that you’re wearing a piece of art as clothing.
I put my shoes on and sprayed perfume behind my ears, neck, and on my wrists. The doorbell rang, and I grabbed my purse, quickly filling it with my stuff.
Mimi greeted Nathan when I walked toward the foyer. They both turned to look at me.
“Oh my—wow,” Nathan said. “You look absolutely stunning.” He approached me with a grin and ran his hand around my waist, kissing my cheek next.
“I agree,” Mimi said with a chuckle. She excused herself after telling us to have a good time.
Nathan wore a black suit with a deep burgundy tie. He looked so handsome and smelled delicious.
“Do you think this dress is okay for the occasion? Zara said it was, but I didn’t ask you about—”
“It’sperfect.”
“You don’t think it’s too short?”
“I do, and I love it.” He laughed, and I shoved his shoulder playfully. “I’m kidding. I already said it’s perfect.” He ran his hand up my thigh. “See? Perfect.”
“Let’s go,” I begged. I didn’t need much convincing to skip this event. “We’re already running late.”
“To be continued,” he said with a genuinely cheeky smile, taking my hand. I grabbed my coat on our way out, and as I was locking the door, he pushed my hair to the side and kissed my neck; once, twice, he wasn’t stopping.
“Hey,” I said, turning around. “Remember we’ve got HAL9000 looking at us.” I jerked my chin at the surveillance camera.
Nathan laughed. “It’s Saturday night,” he said, his lips a breath away from mine. “Let the poor guy watching have some entertainment. He must be bored to death watching your door all day.”
“It only gets triggered when there’s unusual movement, and I fear this might classify as such.” I gave him a quick peck on the lips to cheer him up. “Or if you want to jump ship, I’ll be glad to stay here with you all night.”
“I’d love that too, but unfortunately, we have to go. I’m all in for an afterparty later tonight, though,” he replied, kissing my lips back. He glanced at his watch and said, “Shit. Wearerunning late.Let’s go.”
Aaron, David, and Amena were already waiting for us downstairs and had the engine going. Looking at Amena always made my stomach churn. She was Caleb’s replacement and a daily reminder that he was gone. Fuck, I missed him.
I had to remind myself to breathe at a steady pace to avoid drifting into that dark place in my mind that usually sucked me in at the most unexpected of moments. And it’s not like it asked for my permission to do so.
“You okay, love?” Nathan said as we stepped inside the car.
“Yeah, it’s just—” I trailed off intentionally. It was the only way to prevent myself from crying.
“Caleb?” he whispered. I nodded. “You miss him.”
“I—do. But … Why don’t you tell me more about this dinner we’re going to? Is it going to be super boring?” I asked, trying to get into a different headspace.
“You have no idea.”
Perfect. Just what I needed.
We drove all the way down to the Financial District and parked a few feet away from Battery Park right outside Cipriani. I’d never been to this place.
“Okay, we’re here,” Nathan said, unwilling to release my hand. There was a lot of security at the place. More than a few guys in suits stood outside, guarding the entrance—not an unusual sight for me. It reminded me of Paris.
“What’s Big Mike doing here?” I wondered.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Your father is invited to this dinner. That means he’s arrived.”
