by Sandi Lynn
“And pack your pjs because we’ll be home kind of late and you can sleep in your room at my house,” my mom said.
“How did you get tickets to see Annie that fast?” I asked.
“Steven has connections.” She smiled. “What happened?”
“We were at the art gallery and so was he. Of all the people she chose to talk to, she chose him. That’s when he found out. He told me he never wanted to see me again and that our contract was over.” Tears filled my eyes.
“Oh, Brielle.” She placed her hands firmly on my shoulders. “It’s best this way. You know that, right?”
I stood there and slowly nodded my head as I tried to stop the tears from falling.
“Okay, I’m ready!” Stella announced.
I knelt down and kissed her forehead.
“You be good for Grandma and Steven and I’ll see you in the morning. Have fun watching Annie. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mommy.”
The moment they stepped out, I shut the door, leaned up against it, and slowly fell to the ground while the tears I had been holding back all that time flooded my eyes.
Caden
“Do you believe it? Do you believe she had a kid this whole time and didn’t tell me?” I asked Kyle.
“Calm down, Caden.”
“Don’t tell me to calm down. I’m pissed as hell. I told her I never wanted to see her again and that our contract was over.”
“A little harsh. Don’t you think?”
“Harsh? Are you fucking kidding me? She lied to me!”
The car pulled up to my building and Kyle and I climbed out and went up to my penthouse. I walked over to the bar and poured us each a scotch.
“She didn’t lie to you, bro. If you would have asked her if she had a kid and she said no, then she would have lied to you. But you never asked and she never told you. All she did was keep her kid out of this damn business arrangement you had.”
“It doesn’t matter. She should have told me.” I downed my drink and poured another one.
“Why? Why should she have told you? Again, the two of you had a business deal. Do you know the personal lives of every single one of your clients?”
“That’s different!” I snapped.
“No. No it’s not. The only reason you’re so pissed off right now is because you fell for her. If feelings weren’t involved, you wouldn’t give a damn. And don’t you dare sit there and tell me that I’m wrong.”
I didn’t say a word as I downed my second drink and slammed it down on the bar.
“What kind of woman sells her body when she has a kid?” I shouted.
“The kind of woman where apparently no father is involved, and she needs to support her child. You don’t know her story, man. She told you what she wanted you to know, just like you told her what you wanted her to know. You weren’t completely honest with her about your past.”
“Why the hell would I be?”
“Exactly. And why would she? Think about it. I have to go. Mercedes will be home soon. Call me later when you calm down and can think rationally.” The moment he stepped inside the elevator and the doors shut, I picked up my glass and threw it against the wall.
Chapter 26
Brielle
I lay on my bed with my head in Sasha’s lap as she stroked my hair and the tears that wouldn’t stop flowing fell down my face.
“I can’t believe he reacted that way. You should have seen him. He was so angry.”
“He had no right to be angry. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“What am I going to do, Sasha?”
“You’re going to pick yourself up and go on with your life.”
“It hurts so much. I’m in love with him.”
“I know you are, sweetie, and it sucks he’s such an asshole. But you’re Brielle fucking Winters and you don’t let a man keep you down.”
“I’ve never felt this way before. Not even when Daniel left. I’ve never been in love before until Caden.”
“I don’t know what to say, Bri. I’m sorry he did this to you, but that right there shows you what kind of man he is. He isn’t good for you or for Stella. You need to forget about him and move on with your life.”
“I’m done with escorting. Totally done. I can’t do it anymore.”
“And that’s fine. You have money saved. You don’t need to escort anymore. Take some time and think about what you want to do. Before you know it, Caden Chamberlain will be nothing but a distant memory.”
After she left, I started the bath, poured some lavender scented bubbles in it, and climbed in, sinking all the way down until the water was up to my neck. The physical pain in my heart was unbearable, so unbearable that it hurt to breathe. My head was a mess and I needed to get a grip on things. Maybe I should take Stella and move out of New York. Start over, somewhere fresh. Maybe somewhere by the ocean.
I climbed out of the tub, dried myself off, and changed into my pajamas. Walking into the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of wine and took it, along with my laptop, to my bedroom. Pulling up a map of the U.S., I looked at all the states. Florida? Nah. South Carolina? Maybe. Vermont? Perhaps. If I left, I’d be leaving my family and friends and taking Stella away from her grandmother. I wasn’t sure if she’d adjust. I sighed as I shut my laptop and set it to the side. Closing my eyes, I fell asleep.
The next day, my mom brought Stella home.
“Hey there, sunshine. How was Annie?”
“It was great. I wish you could have seen it with us.”
“Maybe we can go someday.”
She ran to her room and my mom hugged me.
“How are you?”
“Not good, Mom.” Tears started to swell in my eyes. “I’m in love with him.”
“Ugh, Brielle. You’ll get through this. I promise. You’re surrounded by family and friends who love you. Plus, you have that little girl in there and you’re her whole world. Don’t forget that.”
“I know.” I wiped my eyes.
“You’re better off without him. And to be honest, I’m glad this happened now before you got further involved with him. He’s not a good man, sweetheart, and he proved it to you.”
“I know.”
Stella went over to the piano and started playing.
“I have to go. Call me later,” my mom spoke.
“I will. Thanks again, Mom.”
I walked over to the piano, sat down next to Stella, and watched her play.
“Why are you so sad?” she asked me.
My daughter was too smart and sometimes I underestimated her.
“Are you sad because of that man at the art gallery?”
“Sometimes adults get sad too, sunshine. Especially when they lose a friend.”
“Was it because of me?” she asked as her fingers played the keys.
“No. Not at all.”
“He said he wished he never knew you. That was mean.”
I pressed my lips against her head.
Later that day, Sasha came over and took Stella to Central Park while Ben drove me to the shooting range. I was filled with hurt and anger and I needed to release it somehow.
“Long time no see, Brielle,” Jimmy spoke as I walked through the door.
“Life’s been kind of crazy, Jimmy.”
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah. I’m okay.”
I took my bag and went into lane three. Taking out my gun, I loaded it and began firing multiple rounds.
“Damn, Brielle,” Jimmy said as the target moved forward. “I get the impression that the target is someone you know. What’s going on?”
“Broken heart.”
“Aw, gee. I’m sorry.” He hooked his arm around me. “Want me to shoot him for you?”
I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
“No. But thanks. If anyone is going to shoot him, it’s going to be me.” I smirked.
Chapter 27
One Month Later
Brielle
I spent al
l my days and nights with Stella, and as much as she loved having me around 24/7, she did start asking questions. She asked why I wasn’t working anymore. I told her I was taking a break so I could spend more time with her before she started school in the fall.
One afternoon, I decided to go to Kyle’s restaurant and see if I could talk to him.
“Can I help you?” the hostess asked when I walked inside.
“Is Kyle Chamberlain available?”
“May I ask who’s asking?”
“Brielle Winters.”
“Let me go check. I’ll be right back.”
“Brielle,” I heard Kyle’s voice as he approached me.
“Hi, Kyle. I’m so sorry for just dropping in like this. I was wondering if I could steal a moment of your time?”
“Of course. Let’s go sit down over here. Are you hungry?”
“No. I’m fine. Thank you.”
We took a seat at a table in the corner and he had a waitress bring us some coffee.
“So, what’s up?”
“I need to know what happened in Caden’s past.”
“Gee, Brielle. It’s not my place to tell you.”
“I know it isn’t, and if I wasn’t desperate, I wouldn’t be here asking. Please, Kyle.”
“What does it matter now, Brielle? Even if I tell you, it’s not going to change anything.”
“I know it won’t. But I just need to know because I care very deeply for him. If I could just know what happened, I think it will help me move on.”
“Eight years ago, Caden was in a car accident. The same accident that took the life of his girlfriend, Cassandra. He received a call from one of her girlfriends. They were at a party and Cassandra had gotten involved with some drugs, so they called him to come get her. When he got there, he found her on the couch making out with some guy. He put her in the car and they got into an argument about the guy and the drugs. It was storming really bad that night, and when Caden was going around a curve, he lost control of the car and hit an oncoming truck. The impact of the accident killed Cassandra instantly, and Caden escaped with a couple of broken ribs and some bruises. He’s blamed himself every day for that accident and for Cassandra’s death.”
“But it was an accident,” I spoke.
“I know. But my brother doesn’t see it that way. Since that night, he’s closed off his entire self to everyone. He put all of his energy and focus into the company. I hated seeing him go through what he did. That accident changed him. He doesn’t allow himself to get involved with women romantically. It’s just sex, and if a woman wants more, he immediately cuts her off. Until you. I know my brother, Brielle, and he would never pay for sex. I believe he did that with you so he could keep you around without having to admit that he had feelings for you. Despite what you think about him, he’s not a bad man. He’s just damaged. How old is your daughter?”
“She’s six. I should have told him, Kyle.”
“Nah. You kept your personal life separate from your business life, and Caden needs to understand that you had every right to.”
“I can imagine what you must think of me and my line of work. Caden asked me what kind of person would sell their body when they have a kid.”
“I don’t like to judge people because you never know someone’s circumstances. You’re an amazing and smart woman, Brielle, and you’re doing what you have to in order to provide for your daughter. I get that and Caden does too. He just won’t admit it.”
“Thank you, Kyle. I’ve decided to get out of the business. I’m done with escorting and I’m going to find something else. I’m thinking about taking Stella and moving away from New York and making a fresh start.”
“You can always make a fresh start exactly where you are. Don’t let my brother and his actions force you away from your family and friends.”
I gave him a small smile as I placed my hand on his.
“Thank you for talking to me.”
“You’re welcome, Brielle. Any time.”
We both stood up from our chairs and I gave him a light hug.
“Bring Stella into the restaurant and dinner is on me.” He smiled. “I’d love to meet her.”
Caden
I spent the last month working more than I ever had, trying to keep myself busy enough so I didn’t have time to think about her. Did it work? No. It also didn’t help that I sat outside her apartment building and watched her come and go from time to time. The chaos in my head was overwhelming and I couldn’t control the thoughts of her and what happened that night eight years ago. Kyle suggested I go to therapy and talk to someone, but that wasn’t my style. I had a hard enough time opening up as it was and speaking to a total stranger wouldn’t be any easier.
I took in a deep breath as I walked into her building and took the elevator up to the seventh floor. Finding out which apartment she lived in wasn’t hard, especially when money was involved. Like I said before, everyone has a price. I knocked on the door, and when it opened, the tiny human was standing there staring up at me.
“Do you always open the door for total strangers?” I asked.
“I looked through the peephole first. You’re the man from the art gallery. We talked, so you’re not a total stranger.”
“Okay. Anyway, is your mom home?”
“She’s in the shower. Did you come here to upset her again?”
I furrowed my brows at her.
“No. I came here to speak to her.”
“You can come in and wait until she gets out of the shower,” she spoke as she opened the door wider.
I stepped inside and looked around. Her place was very nice and as clean as a whistle.
“Would you like some coffee?” she asked.
“Umm. Sure.”
She pushed a step stool up to the counter, took down a mug, and poured some coffee from the pot into it. I stood there with my head cocked and stared at her. As she went to pick up the mug, I ran over and took it from her before she spilled it and burned herself.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Cream and sugar?” she asked.
“No. Black is fine. What is your name again?”
“Stella.”
“I’m Caden. How old are you?”
“Six.”
“Is your father around?”
“No. I don’t know my dad. My mom said he was a coward and took off when he found out she was going to have me. She said we’re better off without him in our lives.”
“She’s right.”
I continued looking around and noticed a baby grand piano sitting in the corner. I found it odd she never told me she also had one.
“Nice piano.”
“Thank you. My mom bought it for me. I’m teaching myself how to play. Music is good for the soul.”
“What kind of music are you teaching yourself?”
“Classical music.”
“I play the piano too. My mother taught me when I was a child.”
“Really?” She grinned. “Can you play something for me?”
“I guess I could.” I narrowed my eye at her.
We walked over to the piano and I took a seat on the bench. Before I knew it, she sat down next to me with a smile on her face. I placed my hands on the keys and began to play a Mozart tune.
“Wow!” The smile on her face grew wider.
“It’s all in the feeling. You have to feel each note.”
“Stella, when did you learn—Oh my God!”
I stopped playing, turned around, and stared at her as she stood there in a black silk robe with soaking wet hair.
“Mommy, look who came over.”
“Hello, Brielle.”
“What the hell are you doing here, Caden?”
“I thought it was time we talked,” I replied.
“Stella, I need you to go down to Grandma’s. I’ll call her and tell her to meet you at the elevator.”
“But, Mommy. I want to stay and listen to Caden play.”
�
��Stella, now!”
“You better do as your mom says. I can play for you again sometime.”
“Okay.” She huffed as she got up from the bench.
Chapter 28
Brielle
I stood there in shock as my heart pounded out of my chest. What the hell was he doing here? I picked up my phone and sent a text message to my mom.
“I’m sending Stella down. Can you meet her at the elevator? I just got out of the shower to find Caden playing the piano in my apartment. He wants to talk.”
“Jesus, Bri. I’ll go to the elevator now. Stay calm.”
“Thanks.”
“Grandma is waiting for you at the elevator, Stella.”
“It was nice to see you again, Caden.” She smiled. “Thank you for playing something for me.”
“Umm. You’re welcome, Stella.”
As soon as she walked out the door, I shut it and turned to him.
“Who do you think you are just showing up here?”
“Being as stubborn as you are, I knew you wouldn’t answer my call. So, really, I had no choice but to drop by unannounced. Stella seems like an okay tiny human.”
“She’s an amazing child and highly intelligent.”
“She’s very polite and well-mannered for a six-year-old. You’ve done a great job raising her.”
“Thanks. I try my best.”
I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a cup of coffee. Seeing him hurt my heart even worse than it already was.
“She told me she doesn’t know her father.”
“Jesus Christ, what else did the two of you talk about?”
“What happened with him?”
“Short version of the story. He got me pregnant and the night I told him, he went out for food and he never came back. I haven’t seen or heard from him since.”
“It must have been hard on you,” he spoke.
“It was at first, but then I realized he did us a favor.”
“I agree. How did you escort being pregnant?”
“I wasn’t escorting at the time.” I took a seat at the table. “I had gotten out of the business when I met Daniel and got a job as a secretary at a marketing firm. It didn’t pay much. Certainly not what I made escorting, but I did what I could. While I was on maternity leave, they ended up going out of business and I was left without insurance and a job. After I had Stella, I blew through everything I had saved. I wasn’t about to let the cycle repeat itself. A single parent with a kid and absolutely no money to support her. So I got back into escorting. It was fast and easy money and I could give Stella everything she needed and more. So when you asked me what kind of woman with a kid sells her body for money, my answer is the kind of woman who is thinking about her child and wanting to give her the best life possible.”