Page 61 of Loss and Damages
She assumed I know what building she lives in, and once I reach the city limit, type the address into my phone’s GPS. That part of the city is too upscale, and when Tara and I hang out, we stay close to her building or go to a shopping mall on the south side. There’s not one shop in that area we can afford, and the apartments, even the ones not located in Athena’s building, cost thousands of dollars a month in rent.
There’s a parking ramp a couple blocks away that has half price parking after five, and I grab a spot on the second level. The air is sticky with humidity and traffic clogs the street. An asshole lays on his car horn and the loud shriek frays at my already tattered nerves.
A sharply dressed doorman opens the door for me, tipping his hat, and I step into the lobby. The large, elegant space is cool, and I inhale a calming breath as I approach the concierge. I give him credit for not glaring at me and asking if I’m lost. It’s pretty obvious I don’t belong here. I tell him my name and that I have an appointment to see Athena Milano. He nods, calls up to her penthouse, and announces my arrival. “She says she’s available and expecting you. The elevator is located behind the fountain.”
“Thank you.”
I press P for penthouse, not at all sure if that’s correct.
God. Is this the kind of life I’m in for if Dominic and I get together? Date? Whatever it is we’re doing? Suddenly, I crave the peace and quiet of Hollow Lake, and I want nothing more than to put on some music in my workshop and start on a new piece.
The elevator ride lasts forever, and I stand there, twisting my fingers as the numbers click by. Finally the lift stops and the doors glide open revealing a luxurious foyer. The floor is made of black marble and stark paintings that are probably worth hundreds of thousands of dollars adorn otherwise blank eggshell-white walls.
Tentatively, I step inside the penthouse. I don’t know what to do now.
“Jemma! I’m so glad you called,” Athena says, walking from around a corner dressed in a black and white housecoat that could serve as a dress at a casual restaurant. “I’ve been looking forward to our visit.” She holds her hands out to me, gold rings sparkling on her fingers, and I grasp them. Leaning toward me, she gives me air kisses on both cheeks that I awkwardly return.
“You have?”
“Of course. I miss Leo very much. When you called and said you wanted to speak with me, it would have been impossible to turn you away. I hope you always want to chat now and then. He loved you, and that is a bond I do not wish to break.”
“I appreciate your time.”
She squeezes my hands. “No need to be so formal! Had things turned out differently, perhaps I would have been your mother-in-law. I think we would have gotten along quite well.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
Amused, Athena smiles. “You’re not convinced. Very well. Wearea bit intimidating. Come, I’ve set up coffee and dessert in the library. Unless you’d like a glass of wine, but I assumed you’d drive yourself into the city.”
“No, coffee’s fine. Thank you, Mrs. Milano.”
“Athena, please. Mrs. Milano turns me into an old crone.”
I relax, and tension seeps out of my muscles. “You definitely don’t look old.”
“We are only as old as we feel, and I admit, Leo’s death has taken its toll on me. I miss him, Jemma. I didn’t see him often. He gave that honor to you, but I don’t hate you for it. Please, sit.”
The library is an airy room featuring a black baby grand piano, and the walls are made of bookshelves that hold more than books. The seating arrangement she guides me to consists of a pair of beautiful loveseats and a glass coffee table near floor-to-ceiling windows that capture the city in all its sun-drenched, splendid glory.
“I hope you never hate me for anything,” I say, sinking onto a seafoam green brocade loveseat. I don’t have to imagine what a woman like Athena Milano could do to a person’s life. Dominic is a prime example.
“I wouldn’t worry about that.” From a gleaming silver pot that has an elegant spout, she pours coffee into a cup that’s sitting on a matching saucer and passes it to me. I juggle the cup and saucer and carefully add cream. My cheeks heat when I think of my old coffeemaker and mugs I bought at the café in Hollow Lake. How primitive I must have seemed to Dominic. Quaint.
My entire cottage could fit into this library.
Why would Dominic choose me when there are so many other women better suited to live this lifestyle?
Athena leans back holding her own coffee cup and her dark brown eyes regard me over the rim. “Tell me what I can do for you.”
“At the fundraiser, you told me the circumstances of Dominic’s conception. I want to hear about Leo’s. Seven years were between their births.”
She pauses, tilting her head. “You’ve been spending time with him.”
“He’s sought me out for the same reason you said you wanted to see me. He feels closer to his brother because of my ties to him. Once that loss fades, he’ll stop driving out to Hollow Lake.” I sip my coffee and try not to choke. I didn’t understand that fear had been lurking in my heart until it came out of my mouth.
“You’re most likely right. Dominic has decided there’s no room in his life for a woman. He’s more interested in catering to his father than falling in love and starting a family. He lives forhis work only. Don’t get invested, Jemma. He’ll only break your heart.”
“You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m quaking. “Please, tell me about Leo.”
