Page 101 of The Mastermind

“No, thanks. I have a big day tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of the night. Thanks for letting me hang out.” I waved to them and left.

I didn’t know why but I walked toward the shore, away from the bonfire and into the darkness. With each step, I welcomed the dark, and it welcomed me. I immersed myself in it, and no fear emerged. I didn’t expect a sense of peace and belonging to surface.

Was this why Remi preferred the dark? It had its allure. In darkness, there was only a few things to see, like the stars. Everything was just background.

I could see why he liked the mystery, and I could also understand why I was drawn to him. The darkness gave me peace too.

I supposed I should have let him explain, but I hadn’t been ready then. We could have a conversation after the fashion show.

Heading back to my car, thoughts whirled in my head. I wanted to confront Derek about the fire. I needed to discuss it with Grayson, but I didn’t want to interrupt his business trip with stressful news.

My brain and my heart were too tired at the moment. I’d plan something after the fashion show. Right now, I needed sleep so I could wake up early for the car service scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning.

CHAPTERFIFTY-ONE

AUDRI

After the fashion show ended,I spent time with the media, answering questions. Fashion magazines and the Boston Globe had attended the charity show, along with the news stations.

I loved tonight’s creative energy. It had kept my mind away from Remi, although I glanced around the auditorium for him. I didn’t see him, but what did I expect? I had told him to leave me alone.

A tiny part of me wished he had stopped by, not as my boyfriend, but as someone who supported me because he knew how important it was to me. I scolded the teeny-tiny version of myself that should stop wanting something that wasn’t good for me.

“Your jewelry is absolutely gorgeous!” Samantha, one of the fashion designers, gestured to the box of jewelry her assistant was preparing to ship back for me. “I have clients asking to buy them to wear with my dresses.”

“Thank you for the opportunity.” A lot of vendors and boutique owners took my business cards, wanting to place an order from my collection.

The fashion show coordinator and the designers invited me back for next year’s show, and I agreed. Though excited, I couldn’t fully enjoy the evening because of the constant ache in my heart. I hated I couldn’t erase it and kept wondering where he was. Was he thinking about me?

Or was he with that woman in the picture?

Now that the adrenaline rush of the show had dwindled, I felt raw and exhausted. I joined the dinner party in a black dress because it suited my dark mood and reminded me of the man who told me I showed him the rainbow. Remi was good with words. Did he mean any of those lovely words he had said to me?

Sitting next to me, Zach, Kiera’s friend, wore a bright blue suit with a silver bow tie. His gaze was fixated on a handsome designer in a pink striped suit.

“I think you should go over and introduce yourself, Zach.”

He grinned. “I think so too.”

“Thanks for the invite to this show, by the way. I appreciate it. You and Kiera are the best.”

“That’s what friends are for. You’ll be hearing more from me soon. I’m well connected to people who throw lavish parties and love the hottest trends in fashion and accessories.” He pushed back his chair, his eyes on the prize.

“I’m tired.” I stood. “I’m going to head back to Providence tonight.”

“Sure about that? Do you want to stay over for the night? Enjoy Boston’s scenic views on a Friday night?”

“I have stuff planned for tomorrow, and I hate rushing in the morning. Besides, Providence is an hour’s drive from Boston. I just want my bed, you know?”

“I completely understand.” He gave me a big hug. “Fabulous jewelry, and you look spectacular! We’ll see each other soon. I’m going to meet my new boyfriend.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“Good luck.” I winked at him.

Grabbing my luggage from storage, I changed into jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. I placed my dress in the garment bag and shoes in my luggage, then went out to the lobby and waited for my ride, which the hotel provided. I hadn’t planned on staying the night, so I didn’t book a room. I just wanted to be home to nurse my heart.

I checked my phone, but there were no new messages or voicemails.

When Remi threatened to show up at my apartment, I half expected him to do it, but he never showed up. He didn’t seem like a man who gave up easily. Maybe he never wanted me that much.

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