Page 57 of One Last Chance

Because of Domenic.

When I got back to the lodge, I cried a little, but then I decided to leave Vixen Falls and forget Domenic ever existed. Anger took over. How dare he play me like that? How dare he say he loved and wanted a future with me when all this time, he was planning to propose to Cassandra, anyway? Why would he do that? Was it to sleep with me again? Was it revenge for leaving him?

Shame fills me, and I close my eyes trying to hold back the tears from falling down my cheeks. The last thing I want is to cry on the plane.

Grabbing my phone and AirPods from my jacket pocket, I go to my music app and enjoy some music from my playlist.

A song comes on, and I immediately change it. I don’t need any song to remind me of my heartache. I need to get home and leave Vixen Falls far behind me.

Three Weeks Later

“Take a seat, Chloe.”

I’ve just entered Jim’s office after a day of photo shoots on the beach. I’ve received calls from Domenic and voice messages, but I haven’t accepted nor replied to any. I did, however, take a look at his text messages, but all they did was explain how it’s over with Cassandra, and we can finally be together.

I’ve heard that before.

And after he lied to me, there’s no way I can trust him.

No, it’s quite clear to me that I’m better off without him, and the last thing I want to do is waste another minute wanting a man who belongs to someone else.

Taking a seat in the chair, Jim sits in his and clasps his hands in front of him on his desk.

“A big well-done to you, Chloe, for your job onSleek Sports Magazine. Tom called earlier and was happy with your edited shots, and wanted to thank you himself, but I told him you were out on a job.”

Placing a small smile on my face, I reply, “That’s nice, coming from Tom. I’m glad he was happy with the final product.”

Jim sits back in his chair and cocks his head to the side. “Chloe, if something’s wrong, you know you can always talk to me, don’t you?”

Nibbling on my lip, I look away, feeling a little emotional and not liking where this conversation is heading. Anytime the subject of the photo shoot comes up, the memory of Domenic comes to mind, and it’s a memory I want to forget.

“Chloe, did you hear me.”

Facing Jim, I reply, “Thank you, Jim, but I promise everything is fine. I just want to get on with my life. I’m happy Tom liked the shots, but please, Jim, do me a favor?”

He runs his hands over his jaw. “And what’s that?”

“Don’t ask me to go back to Vixen Falls for any job because, quite frankly, my answer will be no.”

Not saying a word, he gives me a swift nod. “Okay, Chloe, if that’s what you want.”

“It’s what I want.”

Getting up from my seat, Jim leans over and picks up something from his side drawer. Fascinated, I focus on what’s in his hand, and before I can see what it is more clearly, he drops it in front of me on his desk. “I thought you would like to see your work.”

My heart squeezes at the image before me. It’s the chosen photograph of the team playing ball. Domenic stands out as he’s throwing the ball to a teammate. His right arm is pulled back as he gets into position. Players are all around the field. Beneath the picture is a description of the players, and Domenic’s name is beneath it.

Tears now fall as I lift the magazine and bring it closer to my face for a clearer view. Beneath the photograph is a small feature on the team, and it’s the image of them all seated together. It also states that they won that game, and there’s a good chance they’ll be playing in the Super Bowl. I already knew that, though. I mean it was televised everywhere throughout Vixen Falls, and that included the airport.

Not noticing that Jim had walked around to me, I feel his hand on my shoulder. “Chloe, I know you don’t want to talk about it, and I get that, but please take some time off like I promised you. You could really do with a break. You’ve worked so hard this year.”

Nodding in agreement, I sniffle then say, “I think you’re right. A break would do me some good.”

“Here you go.” Jim hands me a tissue, and I use it to wipe away my tears.

Dropping the magazine back on the desk, I take a few steps to the door, saying, “I’m going home. I’ll call you in a couple of days.”

“Sure, Chloe, anything you need.”

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