Page 453 of Now and Forever

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I am in the shower for almost an hour. I guess, one can say, I am more than troubled. Since, I don’t have any clothes, any panties or dress to speak of; I hunt for a shirt in Drake’s closet.

His walk-in closet is very masculine. Dark cherry wood with a lot of chrome on black carpet covers most of the design. I almost faint at the smell of the large expanse of room. Drake’s smell permeates the air. My eyes take in all of his clothes and knick-knacks. Different ties, watches and shoes are all displayed in shades. He wasn’t kidding when he mentioned his thing about color coordination. I walk toward a set of drawers and find a large Columbia shirt. I take it out and put it on, then gather my wet hair and bunch it together, making it into a haphazard wet bun. I stride out of his closet and pause. Across from me is another closed door.

Curiosity wins out and I find myself opening the door and flicking the light switch on. I find myself on Shannon’s turf. It’s easy to see that she’s gathered some of her things rather quickly because she still left a lot behind. The size of the closet is the same as Drake’s, but hers is much more feminine. The woman must love purple, a lot, because the closet is full of the color. I cautiously walk in, stopping a foot away from the center table and accessory drawer. On it is a smashed picture frame of them together. They’re in a formal setting, possibly a party. Drake is kissing her as Shannon gazes at the camera, happy and obviously in love.

I stare at them as emotions roll through me. Was I ever that happy with another man? I’ve had three serious boyfriends and they were all great, but I don’t think I was as happy or blissful as the picture portrays. Shannon radiates it. Drake looks smitten, too. Well, I guess, they were in love. I mean, they did plan to get married before Drake broke it off.

Am I his rebound? Tears gather up in my eyes as I look around Shannon’s things. This house is theirs. They have memories in this place.

I don’t know what hurts more; seeing Drake happy with another woman, or that he almost married and had a baby with her. This was the real deal, right here. I better snap out of my love haze before I fall flat on my face.

Wiping my tears away, I look for Drake. I want to go home, but I don’t have a car to drive home with. Instead of solid walls, his house has a large expanse of thick tinted glass. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean, but unlike mine, his is on a cliff with a large rectangular pool and a Jacuzzi. The chic white outlines with black cabanas are a pretty posh addition.

It’s sick, but I can’t help seeing Shannon everywhere I look around this house.

Mocking me.

“Drake?” I call out to the eerie silence of the house. Where the hell did that man go now?

When I get to the kitchen, I find a note. Going to Mom’s to get Skull. He stayed there while we were in Greece. I will be back soon. Miss you. ~ D

Sighing, I wander toward the garage door. I’m surprised that none of my things are on the floor. Where is my purse? I need my phone.

I find my purse on top of the bar in his living room. I hit speed dial without blinking. When I hear my call being picked up, I rapidly speak, “I need your help. I don’t have a ride or clothes for that matter, so I can’t call for a cab without humiliating myself. I need you to pick me up in Malibu . . . at Drake’s house.”

Masie whistles. “Got yourself in trouble, Miss Goody? Fine, I’ll fish out the details later. Text me the address and I will be there to pick you up and watch you do the walk of shame. I hope last night was worth it, sweetie.” She sounds worried. I would be, too, if the situation was reversed.

I give her my thanks and send her Drake’s address. It’s good to have a friend to count on through this, but Masie and her boyfriend, Nick, both like Jared, a lot. I’m going to catch a lot of hell over this walk of shame.

Jared. I’ll be seeing him tonight. I have to get my shit together because I have to make a decision.

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