Page 105 of Finding New Dreams

My phone buzzed, and I glanced at it, just for a distraction, and scowled when I saw an email from Ozzy.

I opened it, and my stomach bottomed out.

Rose tugged on my hand. “Flynn, what’s wrong?”

I looked up to see everyone staring at me. Shit, I didn’t want to say this in front of everyone. I needed to be alone with Rose. I needed to talk through this with her.

“Flynn?” Chloe’s worried voice snagged my attention.

I cleared my throat. “Ozzy said the client loved my piece so much he’s decided to put on a big showcase, with my work as the centerpiece.”

Everyone exclaimed their congratulations and excitement. Even Rose, her face glowing. Damn it, I hated to do anything that might throw a shadow over that look.

I said my next words directly to her. “He scheduled it for the Thursday after the wedding. But he needs me there sooner. He booked me a flight the morning after the wedding.”

And there it was. The shadow.

25

ROSE

I stepped away from Flynn. My hand fell out of his.

“Nine days?” I whispered.

That was barely any time! A little over a week. Only a full week and a wedding. Then he’d be gone. Gone, gone, gone. Like a house full of balloons floating away forever.

His beautiful, chiseled face tightened. Anger? Sadness? Hurt? I couldn’t tell. My own emotions hammered in my chest.

But I needed to say something. Everyone was staring. Chloe was upset. She was saying something. Happy but disappointed.

Yes, I should congratulate him again. Nothing had changed.

Then why can’t I breathe?

The timeline was just a surprise.

Doesn’t matter. His time won’t be yours. Not anymore.

I heaved a smile to my face. “That’s amazing, Flynn! Well-deserved. I’m sure it’ll be everything you dreamed of.”

His throat bobbed. His eyes darkened.

But then his sister engulfed him in a hug, and the guys dealt out a round of back slaps. Gina’s eyes went straight to me. A sympathetic smile twisted her lips.

I shook my head, trying to swallow the sudden, irrational urge to cry. If she kept giving me that pitying look, I really would break down and embarrass myself.

I needed to be supportive. I needed to be a grown-ass woman taking full responsibility for the relationship she’d entered.

No strings. No uncertainty.

It was done.

I waited for the clarity, the rush of finality. But my thoughts wouldn’t settle any more than the mosquitos buzzing through the air.

I needed space. Needed to run.

“Well, congrats again!” I told Flynn as brightly as I could, sounding like a chirpy bird. “But I, uh, need to get going. Early morning tomorrow. Goodnight, everyone! Gina, I’ll see you for dinner tomorrow.”

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