Page 60

I quickly say goodbye to his family, but in the hallway, he stops me.
"Let’s keep this conversation under wraps for now," he suggests.
"Why? Brooklyn deserves to know."
"She does, but it’s better if, when she finds out, Shelley is already in custody, or your . . .”
"Girlfriend," I finish for him.
He looks at me, surprised. "Right, girlfriend. Let’s wait until everything is resolved and that wretched woman is dealt with, or Brooklyn will live in terror until then."
"No. You all need to stop treating her like a baby. I promised not to lie to her or keep things from her. I won’t go back on my word."
Brooklyn
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
"I'm so nervous,"I say to my sister Madison over the phone.
"Put me on speakerphone, or you're going to be late."
I follow her advice because, honestly, I'm cutting it close. I’ve showered, but I’m still in my silk robe. "Should I wear makeup?"
"Want some advice? Just be yourself, Brooklyn."
"He's been with beautiful women. I looked him up online."
"And you're beautiful, too. Besides, none of them ever made it to 'girlfriend' status."
"That only raises my expectations, Madison."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," I reply, pulling out a black slip dress I bought years ago but never had the chance to wear.
"Are you sure about this?"
"I am. I mean, I’d have to be crazy not to feel a little scared, right? Athanasios is . . .a lot in every sense: intense, gorgeous, sexy . . .but I can't turn my back on this attraction. I’m trusting my gut, and it’s telling me to go for it."
"Then go. Stop feeding your doubts. Anything worthwhile gives you butterflies."
"I never felt butterflies with Moses."
"Never?"
"No. I liked his company, found him attractive, and felt flattered by the attention from an older man, but even in the beginning, he never made my heart race. When Athanasios looks at me . . .God, I feel warm all over."
"That’s physical attraction."
"Yes, I know, but it’s not just lust. I can’t explain it—or maybe I’m just not ready to think about it yet."
"I think that’s a flaw we both share: overthinking. Just go. Enjoy yourself, have fun, and tell me everything later."
"Everything? No way." I laugh.
"Not the sex, silly. But I want to know if he treated you like the princess you are."
I hear a knock at the door. "I have to go, Madison. I think Eleanor needs to talk to me. I'll be fine. I promise."