AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I will. Thank you, Richard.”
“I’ll handle the sale of the shares and have the money deposited into your account.”
Two Weeks Later
Ipacked the last of my things in my car, climbed inside, and stared at my childhood home. Memories flooded my mind as I stared at the sidewalk where my mom helped me set up my lemonade stand in the summers and the porch where Steve Connelly broke my heart and set me on a path of destruction where relationships were concerned.
Pulling out of the driveway, my stomach sank. This lost family of mine could be a bunch of weirdos. What if they were mean? What if they hated me and didn’t welcome me into their family? What if they rejected me because of our father? What if this were the worst decision I’d ever made? I didn’t know what Los Angeles held for me, but I sure as hell would find out.
After five days on the road, stopping, resting, and seeing some sights, I’d finally arrived in Santa Monica, where I rented a fully furnished apartment on a monthly basis. I rented in Santa Monica because it was only ten minutes from where my brothers lived. I needed to tread carefully and check them all out first before springing the news on them. I would watch, wait, and when the time was right, I’d tell them who I was.
After settling into my new place, I pulled the folded paper from my purse and studied it—the paper that had my brother’s names, addresses, and places of employment. I needed a drink, so I headed to the Kind Brewhouse right down the road. With any luck, my brother Sebastian would be there.
I stepped inside and looked around, noting a few open seats at the bar. As I sat down, the bartender walked over.
“What can I get you?” He smiled.
“A scotch. Make it a double.”
He took down a glass, grabbed the bottle of scotch, and poured.
“Is Sebastian here tonight?” I asked.
“He was. He left about an hour ago. You know him?”
“A friend of mine does. I just got into town. She told me about this place.”
The bartender smiled. “He’s a great guy and boss.”
I picked up my glass and sipped my scotch.
“What can I get you, my man?” the bartender asked.
“Scotch. Make it a double.”
I slowly turned my head and eyed the man who took it upon himself to sit next to me. To be fair, it was the only stool left at the bar. I was happy he did.
“Rough day?” I asked.
He looked at me, his blue eyes staring into mine. Damn.
“Yeah.” A handsome smile crossed his lips as he pointed to my glass. “You?”
“I just spent five days on the road, so yeah.” I smiled.
“Five days on the road?” His brow arched.
“I just moved here from Connecticut.”
“Welcome to California—” He picked up his glass and held it up.
“Claire.” I lightly clanked mine against it.
“I’m Nick. It’s nice to meet you, Claire.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Nick.” I threw back my scotch. “What’s your excuse for the double scotch?”
“Rough twenty-four hours in the ER.”
