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It's a short walk back to my apartment building and I can't stop myself from taking long strides to my apartment balcony, opening up the window shades. I search every window for Brynn's apartment, but I don't spot her in any of the windows directly across from me. Some windows have the lights turned out or their shades pulled down… I might have to wait and check back later if she's not home.
I check the windows below and the windows above. Maybe I had it wrong that she was on the exact floor as me but still no luck on either of the floors either.
I give up and decided to check back later when I realized that I'll be late to meet Conely if I don't leave now. I agreed to sign Hawkeyes merch for a charity auction at a local children's cancer hospital today.
I pull my window shade back down and head for the front door of my apartment.
Unfortunately, stalking Brynn like a creep will have to wait until later. Maybe by then I'll have come to my senses.
But I'm not holding out hope.
Brynn
Breathing a sigh of relief, I step into the dry comfort of my apartment, completely soaked from head to toe.
I knew that rain was forecasted for this evening, but I didn't anticipate the torrential downpour that we got caught in after dinner and celebratory drinks following the meeting earlier this evening with the publisher.
Not a single dry spot left on my body, but the publishing house loves the first book in the series and are hoping to move up the deadline for book two. With only a few notes back from the editor, I'll have this book wrapped up and then I can focus my efforts on the next book.
A text comes through from Cammy.
Cammy: That's great news! When are you headed back to Rita's to write book two? Please tell me it's over the Christmas break. I'll go with you!
Although I love the idea of spending Christmas with Cammy and Rita, I can't imagine that Cammy would leave Seven behind, and I don't think spending the holidays together is the best idea. Not to mention, what would I tell Daniel?
Though we're still taking things slow, I don't think he would take it well to know that I'm going on a Christmas vacation with the man I slept with during our break.
Brynn: Let's discuss it over coffee tomorrow.
Cammy: Looking forward to it.
I can barely keep my eyes open as I kick off my shoes at the entrance of my apartment and set my keys on the key hook hung on the wall next to the door.
I look out my window to watch the rain continue to pour when a flash of light comes streaming through the sky, and then the thunder rolls right after.
My entire body jumps at the loud crackle that echoes through the sky. Goosebumps cover my body and I can already feel my hands begin to shake.
My phone had given me an advisory warning on the rideshare back to the apartment that lighting and thunder were expected this evening, but I had hoped that my phone's weather app was exaggerating.
I make a fist, balling up my hands to resist the signs of a panic attack. After everything I've learned in Mexico and all the things I've overcome, I know this is a test. A test I need to pass.
I consider grabbing my phone out of my pocket and asking Daniel to come to the apartment tonight, but I know that he has an early morning tomorrow with a deposition and he won't want to risk not getting enough sleep tonight to accommodate me. It might also blur the lines on the casual dating situation that we currently have in place.
Stepping closer to the window, I reach for the shades to pull them down, but just as I'm about to reach for them, my phone pings with an income text.
I look down at my phone that's still in my hand to see the incoming text.
Seven.
My heart gallops the moment I see it, and I can't open the text fast enough.
Seven: Where's Daniel?
What? That's what he sends me?
Seven and I haven't talked in three weeks, and the first text he sends is about Daniel.
Brynn: I'm not sure. He's living with a friend right now. I don't know about his whereabouts at the moment.
