Page 38 of My Destiny

The moment I enter my room, I turn and face the wall before lightly banging my head against it. “You idiot, Cavanagh,” I berate myself. I hope she doesn’t think I was inviting her in for a late night booty call. Although I’d be totally down with that, my comment wasn’t meant that way.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Brooke

When I open my eyes, the room is bathed in darkness. Looking over at the bedside clock, I see it’s nine forty-five. Shit! I hadn’t meant to sleep so late. I’ll blame it on the mattress. It was like sleeping on a fluffy cloud.

Throwing back the covers, I jump out of bed. When I draw back the thick curtains, I’m blinded by the light and it takes a few seconds for my eyes to focus. When they do, the air hitches in my throat. He wasn’t joking about the view. Pushing up onto my toes, I lean forward to take it all in.

I’d love nothing more than to jog around those gardens, but under the circumstances, I don’t think that’s a good idea.

After a quick shower, I head downstairs to find Logan. It’s mid-morning, and I’m probably holding him up. I’m sure he has places to go, and I need to get home.

My eyes are glued to the view as I cross the main room. It looks different, but just as spectacular during the day.

I jump when a figure steps out of the shadows. I’m expecting to see Logan standing there, but instead I find an attractive older lady. “Good morning, dear. I’m sorry if I frightened you. You must be Brooke. I’m Jill, Mr. Cavanagh’s housekeeper.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Jill,” I say, holding out my hand to her. “I was just looking for… umm… Logan, I mean, Mr. Cavanagh.”

She smiles. “I’m afraid you’ve missed him by about three hours. He’s at the office.”

“Oh,” I say. I was hoping to at least say goodbye before I leave.

“Come.” She reaches out and grabs hold of my arm. “I’ll make you some breakfast. There’s a package for you on the counter. Mr. Cavanagh’s assistant dropped it off about an hour ago.

“A package? For me?”

“Yes dear.” I smile when she calls me dear for the second time. My mother used to call me that often.

As I take a seat at the breakfast bar, she slides a small package towards me. The box is wrapped in white paper and tied with a red bow. I open the card pinned to it.

Brooke,

I’m sorry I missed you this morning. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve taken the liberty of buying you a new phone. It has a new number. I’ve transferred all the contacts from your old phone on to this one.

See you this afternoon.

Logan.

P.S. I was touched to find you had my number saved under Hot Stuff.

I gasp when I read the last line.

“Is something wrong?” Jill asks.

“Umm… no,” I reply. I can feel my face heat up.

“Can I get you a coffee?” she asks as I untie the ribbon on the box.

“Please.”

“Milk and sugar?”

“Yes, please. One sugar.”

Unwrapping the box, I find a new iPhone inside. The one I had was almost five years old, but I’m not sure how I feel about him buying me this. My first thought is wondering how he got a hold of my old phone, and then I remember the officer handing it to him at the police station last night after Logan gave him his business card. Buying a new phone wasn’t an option for me. It’s money I don’t have, and it will take me one step further away from my dream.

Removing the lid, I take it out and turn it on. I open the messenger app, and search through my contacts. I die a little inside when I see his number is still under Hot Stuff. I’m mortified that he now knows my secret name for him.