CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER EIGHT

BROOK

A couple of hours after Zac leaves, I hear a knock at the door. I see two women through the peephole. They don’t look dangerous. I crack the door. “May I help you?”

“Are you Brook?” asks the taller girl.

“Yes.” They seem nice enough. I wonder how she knows my name?

“I’m Emily and this is Natalie.” She points to the other girl.

“Nice to meet you.” We reach an impasse. The way things are going, I’m not letting them in. I don’t want Zac’s apartment getting robbed.

“Natalie is Caleb’s girl. I’m with his brother, Ben. Caleb thought we should come over and introduce ourselves. Zac mentioned you were looking for a job in an art gallery. We might be able to help.”

The impasse is over. I welcome them in. “Please, have a seat.” I point to the couch. “Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you.”

They stand inside the doorway. Emily is beautiful, with long black hair, and she’s a stylish dresser. Her figure is to die for. Natalie is petite with blonde hair. She reminds me of a delicate fairy.

“We’re taking you to get some pie and then we’ll visit art galleries that are hiring.”

I’m stunned. “That would be great.” However, I don’t have clothes suitable for a job interview at an art gallery. I tug at my sweatpants. “I have nothing nice to wear.”

“Don’t worry, we have everything covered.”

I don’t know what she means by that, but I’ll play along.

“Maybe I should call Zac so he doesn’t worry.”

“Caleb’s going to tell him what’s going on.”

“Let me change quick,” I say and hurry out of the room.

“We’ll be here.”

* * *

The girls take me to a little bakery for some pie, and then afterward I get my Cinderella moment when we dash off to the mall for a new outfit and shoes. I pick out a navy colored sheath dress and pair of beige pumps. I also have my hair done in an upsweep twist, and apply some makeup to complete the look. I haven’t dressed this nice since my parents’ charity events. Mom and I used to make a day of it, getting ready for galas. Those were moments I’ll cherish forever.

“You look fantastic,” Natalie tells me.

“Thank you.”

I feel amazing, almost like my old self.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

The girls take me to three art galleries that they know are looking for help. The place that hires me is a block off the French Quarter where artists work. This is my dream job. I’m in heaven and can’t thank the girls enough. I have two days to get a wardrobe together. I can’t wait to give Zac the good news.

* * *

I’m excited for Zac to get home. I make broiled chicken, potatoes, and a nice salad for supper. It’s plated up and on the table at seven o’clock. An hour later, when he doesn’t show up or call, I put the food away. I continue checking my phone for messages, but there are none. I consider calling, but that might make me seem needy. I don’t want him thinking I’m clingy.

I watch TV to pass the time and finally go to bed. My mind is working overtime. I wake up when Zac finally comes home. I act like I’m sleeping so he doesn’t bother me. I’m still upset.

He comes in to gather his clothes. I feel him standing next to the bed, watching me. I don’t move and he finally leaves. I think he’s going to ask me to find my own place. Why else would he not show up for supper without calling or sending a text?

When I wake up the next morning, Zac is gone. He doesn’t leave a note this time. But I do, thanking him for letting me stay while I heal.

I look around the apartment one last time. I really thought we could’ve had something special, but I guess I was wrong.

As I close the door, my phone rings. I smile. I bet Zac’s called to say he’s sorry. I pull the phone out of my purse and look at it. It’s not Zac, it’s Jenny. I think about smashing my phone, but I answer it instead.

“Hello, Jenny.”

“Brook. How are you?”

“Just great,” I say sarcastically.

Jenny tells me I was right about her boyfriend and that she kicked him out. She apologizes profusely and asks if I would like to move back in with her.

I have no choice because I have no other option.

“Be there in twenty minutes.”

I hang up the phone and cry on my way to the car.

Goodbye Zac.