After touching up my makeup and applying my fire brigade red lipstick, I stare at my reflection.The crimson jumpsuit hugs my curves perfectly.A rush of anticipation surges through me.Let's do this.
Samantha's bright smile greets me at Cole's door.The kitchen counter is already decorated with pancake ingredients—eggs, flour, milk, salt, sugar, and two pans.
"Look what else I got!"Her eyes twinkle as she points out the toppings."Caramel syrup, maple syrup, bananas, cinnamon, and bacon.Do you eat bacon pancakes?"
"Oh, hell yes."My stomach growls in appreciation."Where's Cole?"
"In his office.He had a business thing to finish.He said to knock when we're ready to eat."
Perfect.Time to plan my strategy."Let's bake.You handle the sweet ones, I'll tackle the bacon pancakes."
"Yeah!And I'll make Mom's special cinnamon banana batter."
When she bites her lip, I wrap an arm around her shoulder."She'll be proud, and I can't wait to try them."
Her genuine smile warms my heart, and for the next hour, we talk while creating our sweet feast.I've got to admit, I have a weak spot for this young lady.She's generous, humorous, and like her father, she has the ability to give you her undivided attention—a quality I deeply appreciate.
Two piles of pancakes later, inspiration strikes."Let's put these babies on the hot plate warmer and do something fun."
"Like what?"
"Let's dance."
She claps her hands."Oh, yes!Mom and I used to dance all the time."
She returns moments later with small speakers, connecting them to her phone."What music do you prefer?"
"Everything, as long as it has a decent beat so I can shake my hips."
Samantha giggles, scrolling through her phone."I have the perfect song."
My lips curl at her excitement."Okay, hit it, girl.I'm ready."I strike a pose, one hand on my hip, one in the air.
As Beyoncé's voice fills the kitchen, something inside me unfurls.With Samantha's laughter mixing with the music, the constant weight of fear lifts from my shoulders.For the first time in months, I feel light, free, normal.The fact that it happens in Cole's kitchen, of all places, isn't lost on me.
We spin and dance, pointing to our ring fingers during "put a ring on it" with dramatic flair.The joy radiating from Samantha's face fills my chest with a sense of fulfillment.In this moment, there's no lurking fear, no anxiety, no memories of trauma.Just music, laughter, and pure, unfettered happiness.
For these few precious minutes, I'm completely, gloriously free.
And I love it.
12
COLE
The city lights paint shadows across my office as I loosen my tie, my mother's voice grating through the phone.
"Are you ignoring me, Cole?"
A frustrated sigh escapes me as I move to the floor-to-ceiling window."No, Mother.I've been busy with business, and I'm calling to tell you I want to drop by tomorrow.We need to talk."
"Will you stay for dinner?"Hope colors her tone, making me drum my fingers against my thigh.
"No, Mom.Don't have time for that."
She launches into another lecture about my social obligations, but my attention shifts to the catchy music floating through the penthouse.What the hell?I glance at the clock.Dinnertime.
"Mom, I love you, but I need to go."I end the call before she can protest.
