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I feel for my brother. I couldn’t imagine being married as long as he has been and holding it in as a secret. I blame my father, he placed all our backs to the wall and forced our decisions. I still don’t understand his endgame.
“What are you thinking about? You’re grinding your teeth.”
“Nothing.”
“It doesn’t look like nothing.”
“It’s a conversation with my father I’ve yet to have. Again. None of that matters tonight.”
* * *
Chloe
“A few more steps and we’re there,” Gregor whispers in my ear.
I step forward carefully. Anticipation is building in my tummy. I have no idea where he’s taking me. This date has been nice so far. I don’t know what he can do to top the restaurant, but I’m expecting something amazing from the excitement that’s been coming off him during the ride here.
I wanted to be angry with him for not answering my earlier question, but after sneaking off to the bathroom to text my sister and her snarky ass reply, I decided to allow her to be grown and bump her damn head. At least, I’m trying to.
Honestly, I’ve been toying with the idea of seeing a therapist. I have so much pinned-up anger. I can’t get the bubble back from Dubai, so I need to figure out how to deal with what I’m facing now.
“Okay, we’re here,” Gregor breathes, breaking into my thoughts.
He removes the blindfold from around my eyes and a gasp leaves my lips. We’re in a gallery and the place is lit up by lights strung up all over the place. Music is playing from somewhere as well.
I spin around and take in the space. Clenching my hands to my chest, I look up at Gregor. My lips are trembling.
“Is this?”
He nods his head as he bites down on his lower lip. I swipe at the tears that run free and stand in awe.
“I wanted you to see the space in person. This is where you’re going to debut your work to the world, my little artist.”
“Oh my God,” I breathe and throw myself into his arms. “This place is amazing. I’m so excited.”
In this moment, I forget everything else. I’ve never taken a moment to be selfish. However, for now, I give myself a chance to enjoy this.
He kisses the top of my head. “I’m so proud of you. I know you’re going to crush it.”
I pull away and cup his face in my hands. His eyes sparkle back at me. Here and now, I dare to believe this is my life. Those three words are right on the tip of my tongue, but fear keeps them right where they are.
I never dreamed I’d be standing in a gallery in Manhattan preparing for my very first show. I have so many nerves and an entire five months before it all comes together.
“This place is amazing. I can’t wait until opening night,” I gush with excitement.
“This is what I want for you.”
I furrow my brows. “What is?”
“When you talked about moving up in the financial world, you were excited, but not like this. This is your thing. This is what makes you happy. All I want is for you to live true happiness. I want you to do what Chloe wants. You deserve this.”
I look down and think on his words. They pierce my heart and meet their mark. I gave up what I wanted for myself a long time ago. My decisions haven’t been about me in a very long time.
My thoughts turn to Ally. What if this isn’t the time for me to think about me? I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to her. The girl knows how to sniff out trouble like Toucan Sam. I’ve been the buffer in her life for as long as I can remember.
Gregor purses his lips and narrows his eyes at me. “Baby, stop it. You deserve this. Allow yourself to have this.” He pauses and sighs. “Would it ease your mind if I told you I think my little brother is as crazy about your sister as I am about you, and he has every intention of making sure she’s happy and safe?”
“No, not really. I want to know what’s going on.”
