great guy. He’s been in here a few times, and we talked. I’d go with you, so you don’t have to travel alone.”
“I’ve traveled alone plenty of times. Do you think I can’t because I’m deaf?”
“Oh my God, Ellie. No. That’s not what I meant. I just thought you’d feel safer if I was there. In fact, I insist.”
“What about your gallery?”
“I have staff here who can watch it while I’m gone. It’ll only be a few days.”
“A few days?”
“It’s Malibu, baby. You don’t go to Malibu for one day. You soak up the sun, run the beach, check out the sights.”
“I don’t know, Frankie.” I bit down on my bottom lip.
“It’ll be an adventure. When was the last time you had one of those?”
“True. I guess a change of scenery would do me good.”
“So good, Ellie.” He gripped my shoulders.
“Okay. When do we leave?” I grinned.
“I’ll give him a call later, tell him we’re coming, and I’ll let you know.”
“Okay. I guess I better go start packing.”
Henry
As I walked out of the building, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my ringing phone.
“Well?”
“She’s going. But I had to persuade her a little bit. She thought it was fucking creepy, bro. Just like I told you it sounded.”
“I knew you could do it, Frankie. Are you traveling with her?” I asked as I climbed in the back of the limo.
“Yeah. I told her she’d feel safer if I came.”
“Good. I’ve already booked you two a flight for the day after tomorrow. Check your email for the details and your tickets. When you get to LAX, there will be a driver holding up a sign with Ellie’s name on it in the baggage claim area. After you get to Malibu, there will be a rental car waiting for you in the driveway.”
“Bro, I hate lying to Ellie like this. She’s going to hate me.”
“She might be mad, but she isn’t going to hate you. She’ll get over it.”
“Right. Cause you’re doing all this because she got over what you did.”
“It’s not the same, Frankie, and you know it. Thanks, man. I owe you big time for this.”
“You do, Henry. But you’d do the same for me.”
“Damn right I would.”
“Are you flying out tomorrow?”
“Yeah. First thing in the morning.”
“Okay. Have a safe trip and I’ll see you in a couple days.”
I ended the call and stared out the window.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Henry?”
“We’ll find out, won’t we?” I sighed.
Ellie
“Who is this art dealer?” my mom asked as I packed my suitcase.
“I don’t know. Frankie knows him. He says he’s a great guy.”
“I’m worried, sweetheart.”
“I’m a grown woman, Mom. There’s nothing to worry about. Frankie will be there with me.”
“How long are you going to be gone for? You sure seem to be packing quite a bit,” she signed.
“It’s Malibu.” I grinned. “I need to soak up the sun, run the beach, and check out the sights. I’ve never been to California so since I’m there, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
“You better call me the second you land so I know you made it safe,” she signed before giving me a hug.
“I will. Stop worrying so much.”
After she left, I ran the water for a bath. Climbing in, I sunk down into the bubbly water and closed my eyes. Getting out of New York, if only for a few days, was exactly what I needed right now. Seeing Henry again reopened the wound that was trying so hard to heal.
Chapter 27
Ellie
My phone lit up with a text message from Frankie letting me know that he was in the lobby and on his way up. Grabbing my suitcase and my carry-on, I stepped out the door and locked it. As I made my way to the elevator, the doors opened, and Frankie took my suitcase from me.
“Malibu here we come.” He smiled. “Are you nervous?” he asked as I studied his moving lips.
“No. Not at all. I can’t wait to be on the beach and feel the sand between my toes.”
“Yes! And hear the roaring—oh my God. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s okay.” I smiled. “Nothing you say will offend me.”
When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out of the building and climbed into the car that was waiting for us.
“I never asked you the art dealer’s name,” I spoke.
Instead of answering me, he pulled his phone from his pocket, answered it, and talked until we reached the La Guardia Airport.
“Sorry about that. Work stuff.”
“It’s okay,” I