Page 164 of Now and Forever

Chapter 55

Jackson didn’t disclose much information as we rode in a hired car to the Hamptons. Instead of choosing to go dress shopping, I had decided against it and worn my staple little black dress. The last thing I wanted was to appear like I had made an effort to look good for him.

True to his word, he had made the hotel his primary residence and hadn’t stepped foot in the condo since that incident six days ago. In a way, I couldn’t blame him. The hotel was top notch and had everything he wanted instead of living in our not so humble but still incomparable standards. If he could afford to live in such a lavish lifestyle, then more power to him.

Coming here meant closure for me because I had to get used to seeing him once in a while for special occasions and such. Therefore, I had convinced myself that today would be a good way to practice.

Back in the day, I would have opted for a thoughtful present like baking him a cake or something much more personal. This time was different, however. I had actually gone out and bought him a Mont Blanc pen with his initials engraved on it. Since his life had drastically changed, and he had become suaver and more businesslike, I was sure this would come in handy if he chose to use it. I wouldn’t care either way. He could throw it away for all I cared.

The journey occupied my thoughts. Cori and I had gone out last night. It was unexpected, but when he called to say hi and I had badly itched to share my good news, he had ended up inviting me for a drink to a cozy restaurant a block away. Although we had parted ways after finishing a bottle of wine and some appetizers, he had left with the promise that he would be taking me out for a movie next week. He had said he ought to woo me, but knowing how he worked, I remained tentative.

Before I could get any further into my thoughts, the driver entered a winding driveway with manicured lawns, topiaries, and trees leading to a breathtaking mansion, the biggest I had ever seen.

“Wow, Drew’s rolling with really super wealthy people these days, huh?” I gushed loudly before catching myself when I caught the driver’s grin in the rearview mirror.

“It comes with the territory, I guess. You really should go out more, Chloe. Things are done differently around here. You’ll see,” Jackson said as the driver rounded the entrance to the beautiful palatial home.

Jackson meant well. Maybe he was referencing how I had been spending my time with bartenders and the like, but I didn’t mind. They were my friends, and I wouldn’t trade them for people with mansions or expensive cars. I was fine with where I was. Nevertheless, if these were the things Jackson and Drew liked, then I respected that.

Shrugging, I thanked the kind driver who opened the door for me before bidding us a good time.

As I held my brother’s arm, we entered the large, beige doors where a waiter patiently stood, greeting us politely before offering us a glass of champagne.

My eyes immediately scanned the place, ignoring the waiter. White and earthy tones perfectly meshed together, both representing wealth and glamour in the most understated way. But before my eyes could explore further, my view was blocked by an aged man and woman, making me blink a few times.

“Jackson, nice of you to come and join us!” the man boomed in a British voice.

“You look well, Jackson,” the woman next to the man, whom I presumed was her husband, greeted my brother with a gorgeous smile.

She was young, roughly around her early thirties. Being married to a powerful man apparently had its advantages, not to mention security and companionship. Besides, the older man was genuinely handsome. Sans peppered hair, I could’ve mistaken him for someone much younger.

“It’s good to see you both, Mr. and Mrs. Cavendish,” Jackson nonchalantly stated before turning toward me. “This is my sister, Chloe. And this is Drew’s father, Conrad, and stepmother, Caroline.”

His father? Uh, what? When had this piece of garbage come out of the woodwork?

My mind reeled as I tried to summon a smile, but my lips wouldn’t function. “It’s great to meet you both … finally.” Far from it.

So, this was what Drew had been hiding? His fucking father? Was that where his new found wealth had come from? But I thought he hated the man. Not only that, but this prick had abandon him when he was only two years old … and now, all of a sudden, they had decided to play family again? What the flying fuck! No wonder Jackson and Drew had been at odds. I would have been, too. Hell, even if Drew was the last person I wanted to see, I was still protective of him.

After we made pleasantries, I was about to drag Jackson to the nearest private area to grill him when Drew appeared out of nowhere with a woman hanging off his arm. And boy, was she gorgeous.

Jealousy ate me alive. It engulfed me, seizing me as I helplessly stared at them both. My eyes diverted elsewhere when I noted that they were on their way toward us.

“Jackson, Chloe, thanks for coming.” Drew grinned at us, as if he and I hadn’t had a falling out six days ago. “This is Poppy,” he proudly introduced her without meeting my gaze. “This is Jackson, my best friend since childhood, and his little sister Chloe.”

“Lovely to meet you both, but most especially you, Jackson. I’ve heard a lot of about you.”

British. Again. Wait, that voice. I had heard it before … Then everything clicked in my once dull mind. At the hotel, it was her who had inquired if it was the strawberries and champagne. Well, I supposed she was my replacement, then. That hadn’t taken long.

Who was I kidding? I had jumped the gun way before he had. According to him, I deserved all of these rotten feelings that were filling me. Yes, this was all my doing, but Drew didn’t need to take every chance he got to make sure I knew how badly I had lost him.

Feeling faint, I cleared my throat and quickly excused myself. I wasn’t even sure what excuse I blurted out. All I knew was I needed to get the fuck away from them, STAT.

Scramming toward the outdoors, I plucked two champagne flutes from a passing waiter, downing them one after the other until fresh air greeted my face. The backyard consisted of a massive patio, pool, and a vast expanse of manicured lawn overlooking the beach. It was all so beautiful, but everything was a blur. All I could think about was Drew and Poppy.

I can do this. Just breathe Once the shock wore off, I would be in much better shape. Well, I hoped I would be, or else, I would have to stay hidden out here. Fuck, how can he look so fucking happy while I’m crumbling inside?

“I’ve been looking for you.” Jackson appeared right next to me.

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