Page 88 of Wrapped in Perfection

"Yesterday. Kotik, I have to go, or I will miss my flight."

We kiss for several minutes, and when he walks toward the elevator, I want to beg him to stay. But I know in my heart, there is no stopping him. He's made it clear he is going to deal with Mitch, no matter what my wishes are.

I'm not sure what I want to happen to Mitch. But I do want him to stop harassing me. I don't want to worry about him showing up in Chicago. And I never want to see him again.

"When will you be back?" I ask as he steps in the elevator.

He spins. "I'm not sure. Few days. I will let you know when I find out for sure." He hits the elevator button and the doors close.

I sit on the couch, trying to gather my thoughts. Part of me worries about what he's going to do. Another side of me says Mitch is going to get what's coming to him. It's these thoughts that make me wonder who I'm becoming. Or was this always part of me and I was just so worried about being perfect all the time and not upsetting Mitch, I didn't really know who I was?

I get changed and fix myself up, trying new makeup colors to coordinate with my hair, and go into my closet. Most of my clothes look better with my blonde hair.

I need to go shopping as soon as I get paid.

I go out to the table to learn how to operate my new phone. The cell has my name engraved on it and four different metallic-colored cases. Silver, yellow gold, rose gold, and black pewter.

I open the envelope that says Kotik on it and pull out a check and note.

Kotik,

I wasn't sure what case you wanted. If you don't like this phone, I'll get you a new one when I get back. Here's your first check. Did you set up your bank account yet? If not, there's cash in my safe. It's in my closet, and the code is 89695432. Take whatever you need.

I'll miss you.

XOXO

Dmitri

P.S. - I programmed the driver's number into your cell.

I reread the note,stunned he gave me the code to his safe. I look at my check, which is the biggest check I've ever gotten. I stuff it and the letter back in the envelope.

I need to get my bank account set up.

Then I'm going shopping.

But first, I need to talk to my brother.

I'm not sure what he and Dmitri spoke about, but I want to know.

I glance at the time. It's still early in the morning, and I know Vivian and he will be home. I pack a few outfits, grab my laptop, so I can work on the roof project while Dmitri is gone, and my new phone, along with the envelope. I text the driver, and he says he's ten minutes away.

Everything is so much closer in Chicago.

I didn't think I would like this city compared to New York, but it's quickly growing on me. I sit and look around Dmitri's, and it hits me that his place feels like home.Hefeels like home. He hasn't even been gone for an hour and I miss him already.

I pick up my cell and call him.

"Kotik, everything okay?" His voice is filled with worry.

"Yeah. I wanted to say thank you for the phone. And the check."

"You earned every penny of it."

"Thank you."

There's a muffled noise.

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