Page 121 of Fall I Want
She’s right. I’ve avoided everyone from my past thanks to the shame I’ve felt. I ignored those who cared about me. There is no excuse for how I treated people when I was with Celine.
I tuck my phone into my pocket and make my way to the elevator. Weston’s penthouse is several floors above mine and has a much better view. However, he was given the opportunity to purchase it first or I’d have chosen his place. Or his brother’s. The Calloway family has connections I wish I had. Then again, that goes both ways.
The elevator is fast and I barely have enough time to think before the doors open to his private floor. As soon as I step out, I’m greeted by a bodyguard who looks me over.
I’m handed a drink before entering. A pianist sits at the grand piano, playing songs from the 90s. The lights are low and the city buildings twinkle in the distance. A server with a tray of wineglasses walks through the crowd, passing them to anyone empty-handed.
I take a sip, glancing around the room. Half the people I know,the others I don’t, but I feel like a spotlight beams down on me. I ignore it, trying not to give a shit or let it grow too awkward. No one approaches me.
I try to think back to the last time I hung out with Weston. He had recently married Lena. That was four years ago.
In a blink, time passed. Days transformed into years.
As I finish my first glass of wine, a strong hand grabs my shoulder.
“You made it,” Weston says, wearing a cheesy grin.
“I needed to be seen,” I say. “Show proof of life.”
This makes him laugh. “Where’s your pretty girlfriend?”
“On the way.”
“Ah.”
“She’ll be here,” I confirm.
Weston stares at me, meeting my eyes.
A server hands me another wine. I don’t gulp this one down.
“To be in love.” Weston sighs. “Lucky bastard.”
I chuckle.
“In love?” a familiar voice from behind says.
I turn to see Billie Calloway, with her jet-black hair and crimson lips that move up into a gorgeous smile. Weston’s baby sister has always been a cocktease, unavailable, and absolutely not my type. She’s a ballbuster and obsessed with her work. Men are nothing more than commodities, and she makes it known.
“Zane Alexander, in love? How did this happen?” She wraps her arms around me and hugs me.
“Surprised Harper didn’t tell you,” I say. Billie and Harper are business partners. The two of them stepped away from billion-dollar family businesses to do fashion, and they’re making waves.
“I haven’t seen my bestie in two weeks,” Billie says, finishing the last bit of wine in her glass. As she swallows it down, another is being handed to her. The empty glass practically disappears. “I’ve been in Paris, negotiating.”
Weston grins. “Oh, Paris. So fucking fancy.”
Billie elbows him in the side.
“So who is she? The woman you’re in love with.”
I think about Autumn and smile.
Billie’s eyes widen. “Shit. You just had the look. You’re going to marry this woman.”
Weston chuckles. “That’s what I said.”
“Her name is Autumn Travis. She’s smart, pretty, and down to earth.”
