Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 135522 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 678(@200wpm)___ 542(@250wpm)___ 452(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135522 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 678(@200wpm)___ 542(@250wpm)___ 452(@300wpm)
“I think I need a snack or something,” I lie, earning me a scoff and a, “Suit yourself,” from Anthony before I head off.
My phone stays in hand as I stroll down a long, wide hallway that leads past three bedrooms to a beautiful kitchenette with a fully-stocked fridge and pantry. Beyond the long kitchen island is a separate dining area that is enclosed like a greenhouse, with tall glass doors and exotic-looking plants in every corner. I’ve never been in the guest wing of the house the one or two times I was invited over here as a high schooler, so it’s just my instinct to explore and satisfy my curiosities.
Also, it’s killing time.
Because I still haven’t heard from Noah.
All he was supposed to do is go home to get a few things and come back. He insisted on getting a ride home with Patrick, saying that his dad would then drive him back. That was hours ago.
And he’s not picking up his phone.
Nor answering my texts.
Should I be worried?
“I feel like I’m at a resort hotel,” comes a voice—Dean’s, who quietly enters the kitchenette to help himself to something from the fridge, “and it’s late at night after most of the staff has gone home. Really, this residence is spectacular.” Dean chuckles as he shuts the door and brings an apple to the sink to rinse it off. “I’m sure they clean their fruit before stowing it away,” he goes on as he rinses vigorously, “but you can’t be too sure.”
I put on a smile. “I do the same.”
“I couldn’t help but overhear, as I was in my room, that you’re waiting on a call from your friend Noah?” asks Dean at the sink.
After a moment, I nod and wiggle my phone. “Yes, I am.”
“He’s not really a friend, is he? Ah, that look on your face …” He lets out a playful laugh as he shakes his head. “You don’t have to hide anything around me. I knew about Tyrone before the rest of the family did. I even hosted Tyrone and Omar at my house long before they tied the knot, back when he was still with the force. Back when …” He lets out a weary sigh. “… when my dear Cherie was alive. Must be in my blood, to see young love all around me.”
“You never talked about your wife around us before,” I point out. “I was afraid to ask, because I wasn’t sure if … well …”
“Don’t worry. I’ve found my peace with her passing. Oh, what a sweet gentleman you are,” says Dean with a bright smile. “Truth be told, I’ve never been sure whether I was ready for all of this. I sure know Nadine thinks I’m ready, but … I suppose my heart will have to let me know. Even though it’s been four years since my dear Cherie passed, it feels like just—”
Our moment is interrupted by a shout from the other room: “Yeah! Fuckin’ homerun, bay-bay! Outta the damned park! Woo, yeah!”
Dean visibly shudders, gives himself a moment, then leans in and brings down his voice. “I know Cherie would want me to move on. Nadine’s said that to me time and time again. She and Cherie were friends. I have to say, I nearly dropped my jaw the other day when I went to get myself a bite and thought I saw Cherie out and about. It was after our last photo shoot at Gary’s ranch, after we’d all parted ways. Sweet, kindhearted lady, the warmest eyes you’ve ever seen. We spoke briefly … a handful of minutes. Candace was her name.” Dean clicks his tongue and shakes his head, for a moment his efforts at the sink paused. “I hope she comes to the event and puts a bid on my heart. Just one brief conversation over cappuccinos and I’ve been enchanted.”
“That’s beautiful, Dean.”
“Well, we shall see how it goes. I think I had Cherie in my ear that day telling me to go after her, but to not bore the woman with a conversation about weather.” He lets out a heartfelt laugh. “Isn’t that something? Seems exactly like what Cherie would say. Did I end up rambling about the weather anyway? I’m not even sure.”
“The weather is something we can all relate to,” I point out.
“Hah, yes, well … I do hope I see Candace again. Even if I’m not ready. Perhaps I’ll never think I’m ready until I push myself out there and just … say I’m ready. Isn’t that the way of it?” He faces me. “All of this to say, don’t fret the small stuff at the expense of your very valuable heart, young man. We cannot choose who we fall in love with … but we can choose how we love, and I am so thrilled for you and Noah and how the two of you—”