Page 29 of David's Chase

She shrugs.

“I’m lonely. And I don’t get the gist of things. I’ve made some friends, but things aren’t the same. No matter what I do, I can’t shake off this feeling that this world is unfamiliar to me, and no matter how many beautiful places I visit, it will never feel like home.”

“You’re homesick.”

She smiles, a hint of sadness sparkling in her eyes.

“Yes, I am.”

“Well, maybe you should consider coming back instead of trying to convince me to move over there.”

“Yeah… Maybe. We’ll see how things go.”

We end the call before I finish my drink, push out of my seat, and exit the room.

A door opens to my right, and Rain exits the restroom.

Her hair falls down her back in big waves, a few locks framing her face.

“Things all right?” she asks with a smile.

“Yes, everything is fine.”

She wears black pants and a matching tailored blouse, her elegance so effortless and chic.

We walk back, talking about the weather and the wedding, and as we reach the table I remember something about my backpack.

The women are out on the patio, so I take the opportunity to slide my hand into my backpack and pull out a book.

Her gaze dips.

“I hope you don’t mind. I knew you’d be here…” I say. “So I took my chance and brought this here to ask you for an autograph,” I add, giving her a humble smile.

Pleasant surprise shines through her gaze.

“If I don’t mind? Of course I don’t mind.”

She grabs the book and checks my special edition copy ofOwned by L. Carter.

Her book.

Her bestseller book.

A shred of red colors her cheeks.

“No way…” she says, her eyes glinting with a smile. “We only had a few of those in stock,” she murmurs. “Where did you get it?” she asks, lifting a curious gaze to me.

“It was a gift.”

“A gift?”

Her smile widens.

“From whom?”

“A friend gave it to me,” I say, quickly retrieving the pen tucked inside my backpack.

Frankly, this was a last minute idea, and the main reason I dragged myself out of bed and came here.

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