Page 8 of Exposed

A price tag I can no longer afford.

If I don’t land a contract soon, I’ll age beyond my years from the stress and lack of sleep.

Colony Park might be old, but it’s charming and has been refurbished.

When I moved in almost a year ago, I was glass-is-half-full Goldie. The first time I walked into my spacious apartment, its character spoke to my soul. Even the tiny gecko who made his way through the balcony doors lit a light inside me that glowed with new experiences.

The turquoise and peach stripes that frame the exterior of Colony Park are a reminder of Miami’s culture that I was so excited to experience. When I parked my gently-used Honda and walked through the wrought iron gates for thefirst time, I saw evidence of the tropical climate that thrives year-round.

My internet-filtered outlook on life was new and sharp and sunny.

Those were the days. Colony Park might be old, but with that comes location, location, location. It sits on an epic street that’s reminiscent of Miami’s glory days, where beauty, flare, and personality shine bright.

I’m sure the ghost of Colony Park dances around the building praising what once was and still is.

I love it here and don’t want to leave.

And that’s why I’m willing to bulldoze through the wall I built between Dex and me. Five calls and two voicemails. I even sent an email. I’m sure he’s sitting smug in his crisp air-conditioned, spacious office with a satisfied smirk.

He said this would happen.

He said I’d never make it and would come crawling back for help.

I hate myself.

I might hate Daniel Armstrong more for demanding that beloved, dying Aunt Trippy tie the knot at The Pink.

Of all the types of luck in the world, mine could not be worse.

I jerk when my phone vibrates on the worn cushion next to me. My heart lurches until I see the name on the screen.

Not Dex.

I slide my thumb across the screen and try to hide the disappointment in my tone. “Hi, Mom.”

“You didn’t call, so I’m forced to be the one to pick up the phone and nose my way into your business. How did the meeting go with the prospective client yesterday?”

I sigh. “I’m still working on it. I don’t have a signed contract yet, but they haven’t turned me away either.”

“Tell me all about it. The colors, the ceremony, the couple… I want to know what you have up that magical, creative sleeve of yours.”

I drag myself to my feet and move to the kitchen to wash dishes. “The planning hasn’t gotten that far. They want a specific venue, and their time frame is tight. I’m doing my best to make it happen.”

“What’s wrong with people?” Mom has reached that point in her life that she says what she wants, and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She’d probably say that to Daniel Armstrong’s face. “You know what? I bet it’s a shotgun wedding. She’s knocked up—I’d bet my entire stock of canned tomatoes on it. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but why do people feel the need to marry so fast? Just be, that’s what I say.”

I wedge the phone between my ear and shoulder and flip on the water. “It’s not a shotgun this time. I know that for a fact.”

“I’m not even there, and I know I’m right. You don’t see people for who they really are. It’s your downfall, Goldielocks.”

“Trust me, Mom. In this case, you’re wrong—deadwrong.” I emphasize the word for good measure, wondering what’s really wrong with poor, fading Trippy. “The gentleman I met with is arranging a wedding for his aunt who is on her deathbed. Her last wish is to marry her long-term companion. I’m doing everything I can to make it happen, but the venue is … highly sought after.”

If I tell her it’s The Pink, and I’ve been calling Dex like my life depends on it, she will flip her lid and drive her old conversion van down here like a bat out of dark places.

Her tone goes from sharp to shocked. “Well, if that isn’t the saddest thing I’ve ever heard. What a wonderful man to do that for his aunt.”

“Yeah.” I roll my eyes and set a bowl upside down on a tea towel to dry. “He’s great.”

“If that poor woman is dying, you need to find a way to make it happen. Do everything you can.”

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