Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
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 continue 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 shows you what kind of man he is. He isn’t good for you or Stella. You need to forget about him and move on with your life.”
“I’m done with escorting. 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, and climbed in, sinking all the way 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 beside 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 took Stella to Central Park while Ben drove me to the shooting range. I was filled with hurt and anger and needed to release it.
“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 will be me.” I smirked.