The door of the studio slams loudly against the jamb, and I know he’s finally hidden himself away. My chest aches, the tears burning my eyes threaten to spill, and I sit back, breathing deeply as I consider what to do. Going to him might only anger him more, so I wait in the office, not working, just trying to come up with a plan. I need to figure out how to get through to him.
I glance at the time and find it’s almost two in the afternoon. I’ve worked past lunch, applying for a couple of jobs. But what captured my attention was the email I received from Julian’s contact. He sent it to me directly, but I am sure he must’ve blind copied Julian. It’s my mother’s childhood home address.
I spent an hour looking at the Google map, staring at the house on the street view option. Even though I can’t see inside, I can only imagine my mother playing in the garden as a child. The house is gorgeous. It’s clearly been refurbished over the years because I notice the railings have been painted, and the outer wall looks slightly different from the photo I had from my mother’s memory box.
She always kept a shoebox with photos and trinkets from her younger years. And the only thing that really meant anything was the photo of her as a twelve-year-old standing at the wall, smiling into the camera.
I know I need to go there, to see her home, and I’d love to go there this weekend. Perhaps even see if the family living there would let me inside so I can just see what it looks like.
Pushing off the chair, I head outside, needing some fresh air. Everything that’s happened in the past few days has still got me wound up. I don’t know what to expect when Julian’s wife gets here, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to find another job in the city, but I know I have to get away from him.
I knew allowing myself to feel something for him was a mistake. The sun is bright today, beating down on me as I step off the porch and onto the grass. It’s soft underfoot, and I walk toward the center of the expansive garden. There are flowers that line the property. The colors are exquisite, drawing my attention to them immediately.
“It was my pride and joy for a long time,” Julian says from behind me, startling me as he comes closer. He doesn’t touch me. Instead he stops a few yards away from me. It’s almost as if he’s scared to be too close.
“It’s a beautiful garden. I’ve always enjoyed spending time outdoors.” Even as I speak to him, my voice is tinged with frustration at our situation. “I’m grabbing lunch. I’ll be back in an hour.”
“If you want to take a half-day, that’s fine. I’ll have lawyers here this afternoon, and I didn’t think you’d want to sit and listen to us talk.” There’s tension in his tone. He’s nervous, because when I look up at him, he turns away. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” And he leaves me staring at his retreating form.
I could’ve told him I’d stay. But I didn’t.
“Thank your contact for the address,” I call after him, but all he offers is a wave, his head bowed, his focus on the ground rather than what’s happening around him.
When I arrived this morning, he looked worse for wear, and even though he still looks troubled, I realize it’s not up to me to fix anyone. I need to focus on myself.
With a heavy heart, I go to pack up my things. As I’m walking down the driveway toward the Uber I called, a car rolls up toward the house, and I notice two well-dressed men in the front, and in the back is a buxom blonde who looks out of place here. Even though the plantation house is expensive and well maintained, and the gallery brings in thousands of dollars, this woman looks like she’d be more comfortable in front of the spotlight, being hounded by paparazzi.
Ignoring the burning bite of jealousy, I walk away from Julian and whatever drama is about to unfold in that house. I have the address to my mom’s old home. Perhaps today is the day I need to pay a visit and focus on something other than the love life I thought I had.
Chapter 24
Julian
The moment Nea left, I felt the loss. But I needed her to leave so I can say goodbye to my past. Once I can do that, Nea and I can finally sit down and talk. I want her to know me, all of me. And I need her to know that I love her.
My phone buzzes, and when I glance at the screen, I see Eli’s name flashing at me. I answer, “Hey, man.”
“You okay?” he asks, knowing Shay is coming here today. I told him via text message, and when he called me back, he advised me to tell the bitch where to go, but I haven’t yet. I need to know what she wants from me.
“I don’t know. I just fucking sent Nea away.”
“Why?” I can hear the confusion in his voice, and I know I should’ve asked her to stay, but this is a fight I need to finish before I can focus on Nea.
“Because I can’t let her see this bitch who’s torn my life apart,” I bite out, anger at the situation taking ahold of me.
“I get it. But remember one thing. Nea is your future. Don’t jeopardize it for Shay just because you were married.”
“I know. Thanks for checking in on me. But once I’ve gotten the papers signed, she’ll be in my past, where she
