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“I wish you luck in New York.”
She left me to pack up my things. I opened the drawers to my desk and removed a few personal items. In the back of the top one, I found the bracelet Austin had given me with a few charms. I held it in my hand and looked at the first one he ever gave me, the tropical theme with the palm tree and sun. It commemorated our meeting in the Maldives. I shoved it into the box, not wanting to relive old memories that would make me sad.
Chapter 14
I arrived in New York two days ago. I’ve been on the hunt for a new apartment in Manhattan. Charge has graciously footed the bill for my hotel room until I find a home suitable for me. I sold most of my furniture in Los Angeles and only had a few choice pieces shipped here, including my bedroom set. It’s in storage for the time being.
My parents were not happy. I decided to move to the East Coast, but then again, their opinion didn’t matter. Even though I’d achieved so much in my life, I know they considered me a disappointment. When I did speak to them, which was infrequent, my mother would always talk about her friend’s children and their accomplishments. They had spouses and families, beautiful homes, and lovely vacations.
I tried not to let their indirect jabs hurt me, but they did. I wanted what I didn’t have, but I was destined to be alone. I never told them about my pregnancy or miscarriage. They would’ve told me that I was a fool to get pregnant out of wedlock.
When I got to Manhattan, I contacted Edith whom I hadn’t seen in a few months. She was thrilled I would be living here permanently. She never admitted it, but I think she missed Roman and Austin more than she let on. Today I was taking her to lunch at the restaurant I met her in last year.
Edith was already on her second glass of wine when I walked through the door. She was dressed in a pretty blue sleeveless dress and looked far younger than her eighty-one years. She hugged me tightly and held my hand as we were escorted from the bar to our table.
“Samantha, you look beautiful.”
I looked down at my white slacks and light pink silk blouse. I’d kept my hair down and my makeup light. The humidity was unbearable for this early in June, and I preferred not to have my mascara leaking down my face.
“Thank you, but I just grabbed the first thing I could find in my suitcase.”
She opened her menu. “Have you found an apartment yet?”
“Not yet. I have an appointment today with the real estate agent.”
“I wish Austin would move out here, but that horrible woman he’s with wants to stay in California.”
I raised my eyebrows. “You don’t like Jessie? I think she’s nice.”
Edith sipped her water. “She’s a phony. I can spot them a mile away. I didn’t like her when he dated her in college.”
“Austin told me he dated her a few years ago.”
“Pish posh. He dated her almost fifteen years ago. I didn’t like her then, and I don’t like her now. Did you know she’s been married twice already?”
“No, I didn’t.”
We were interrupted by the waiter who brought us a glasses of white wine. When he left, Edith continued.
“She broke Austin’s heart by going with another. I don’t know why he would date her again. He makes such poor decisions when it comes to women. Except of course you. You were perfect for him. It breaks my heart that it didn’t work out.”
“It makes me sad, too, but I don’t think we were perfect for each other.”
Edith didn’t look at me as she ran her finger over the menu items. “I do. He’s stubborn, and I think he’s still in love with you. This Jessie thing isn’t going to last, and I’ll be left to pick up the pieces.”
“They’re engaged and planning the wedding.”
“There’s still time to end it. If he would only listen to me. Are you dating?”
I chuckled. “Give me a chance; I just got here.”
“Times wasting. You’re not getting any younger.”
“Don’t remind me.”
She looked up at me. “Do you want children?”
“I do,” I sniffled.
