Page 94 of The Wrong Move

Slowly, he lifts his gaze. “I wanted to talk to you alone, but Lottie said we should do it together.”

I shake my head. Either way, I still would have been majorly pissed. How had I not known? There were no hints he ever liked her. At times, she was a freaking bitch to him like she is to me. “Fuck!” I spin around, trying to breathe. I turn back and glare at him. “Did this start when you were both in Australia?”

“We became closer then, but the first time was three years ago when we were in college.” My eyes want to pop out of my fucking head. “We had a few nights together over the years, but things recently ramped up.”

“And you never had the decency to tell me.”

“Because I thought you’d react like this.” His eyes are full of apology. “I love her.”

I see red. I give him one final shove, then collect my bag and storm out of the locker room.

Giana… fuck Italy.

If I ever needed a sounding board for my frustrations, I’d go to Charlotte. The person I’d usually turn to is the one Brandon is banging. I inhale a sharp breath, trying to calm the fuck down. I have never liked surprises, and this one takes the fucking cake.

Inside my car, I hit the accelerator and drive toward the city. There is one person who could calm me down, and it’s been a few weeks since I’ve seen my new little niece.

“Hey, Siri, send a message to Franklin.”

“What do you want to say?”

“Please tell me you’re home. I’m on my way to yours.”

Even though it’s Sunday,Franklin sits in his favorite armchair in designer trousers and a white shirt. He swirls whiskey around the ice in his glass and crosses his legs, revealing his black leather Gucci loafers. There’s no mistaking his billions. Every inch of him is clothed by famous designers, including his Harry’s of London over-the-calf socks.

“I’m lost what to do. Frustrated and…” I run my fingers through my hair. I don’t mention Brandon and Charlotte. “Why do I feel like I’m at a crossroads?”

“Hmm. Penny mentioned your impromptu trip to Italy.”

I lean back on the wide white leather lounge chair. “I’m not suggesting I rush over to see Giana again.”

“Absolutely not,” Franklin agrees. “The way you assess or see something before deciding on an outcome depends on what you believe. Our subconscious sifts information, and we receive it in a biased way based on our fears and beliefs. It’s why I might view and react to a situation differently than you. Sometimes, we need to redefine our process of thinking or overthinking a situation. Change our pattern?—”

Penny walks into the room with Summer in her arms. “In other words, you’re in love and don’t know how to handle it.” She offers an understanding smile. Her gentle green eyes make me feel better about being here. “We all go through it. Make decisions we regret, make fools of ourselves. Did I ever tell you about Frank and my previous roommate?”

“This is not the time for storytelling, Penny.”

The way Franklin snaps has me wanting to hear it.

She giggles. “Stark naked with a sheet around his head and his package hanging out.”

What?

My shocked expression causes Franklin to down his drink. “Now is not the time.”

“I think it is,” I goad. I look to Penny for more information.

“Perhaps Frank will share his stories, including the one that happened at my parents’ house, with you another time. My point is, don’t be afraid to be guided by your heart. Not everything we do in life needs to be calculated and with a desired outcome.” She rolls her eyes at her husband, as this is how my brother has always lived his life. “And, more the point, you all think Frank is a perfectionist and that is how he won me over. He’s not perfect, and his mistakes and admittance of his bad judgment is why I gave him a second chance.”

Frank raises his glass to his wife. “You still found me irresistible.”

Penny glances down at her daughter and rocks her gently in her arms. “I did. Yet I was wise enough not to let your charm sway my decision in breaking up with you.”Jesus, I wasn’t expecting this conversation.“But your vulnerability at Hugh’s wedding made me see how you were willing to change. You showed me that you were willing to be flexible with all the things that were nonnegotiable in your life when it came to me. And now I know nothing in your life is more important than Summerand me.” She smiles lovingly at Franklin. He stands, closes the distance, and kisses her, then tentatively kisses Summer on the cheek. He stands behind his wife and looks at me.

“Take everything Penny said and apply it to your life.”

“How?” It’s why I’m here.

Penny tilts her head at me. “What is nonnegotiable for you, Byron? While I never asked Frank to give up his work or international travel, I asked for him to be flexible with it and to prove that I mean something to him and not to put his work firstall the time. To be there when I needed him.”

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