Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
ONE WEEK LATER
Ellie
I’d woken up with a heaviness in my heart. The same heart that was trying to heal but couldn’t. My mom told me that time heals all wounds. This was more than a wound, and I was certain that no amount of time could piece it fully back together. I was in the kitchen making a cup of coffee when my phone lit up with a text message from Frankie.
“Morning, Ellie. Can you stop by the gallery today? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Good morning. Sure. I can come by. What time?”
“Whenever you’re ready. I’m here all day.”
“Okay. I’ll get dressed and see you soon.”
I took the subway to the gallery, and when I stepped inside, Frankie smiled and held up his finger to let me know he’d be over in a minute, for he was on the phone. I was walking around looking at the new art pieces he got in when he walked over and placed his hand on my arm.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m good. I see you got some new pieces in.”
“Aren’t they beautiful?”
I smiled and nodded my head. “Why did you want to see me?”
“I had an art dealer in here the other day, and he saw some of your paintings. He would like to talk to you.”
“Okay. Do you have his number?”
“Um, he wants you to come to Malibu.”
“Malibu, California?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“He just said he was inspired by your artwork and wants to meet with you and talk. He didn’t go into much detail.”
“That sounds kind of creepy,” I said.
“He’s a really 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 into 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, a driver will hold up a sign with Ellie’s name on it in the baggage claim area. After you get to Malibu, a rental car will be 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 of 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.