Just Isabel.
As nine o’clock—midnight East Coast time—approached, we gathered in the living room. Champagne glasses were filled, and we watched the ball descend in Times Square.
Last New Year’s Eve, I’d been at a Van Orr gala, champagne in hand, smile plastered on my face, while I counted the minutes until I could leave.
Thomas cleared his throat and looked at me as he spoke. “To fresh starts and new beginnings.”
“To family—the one you’re born into and the one you choose,” Bas added.
My eyes stung, and silently, I said, “To second chances.”
I raised my glass with the others, letting it touch my lips without drinking.
A half hour later, Bas drove me to the cottage. The night was cold, clear, and stars filled the sky above us.
“You okay?” he asked as we got out of his truck.
“Yeah. Your family is wonderful. I’ve missed them.”
“And we missed you.”
I unlocked the cottage door and was about to thank Bas for a lovely night, but he spoke first.
“You think about him?” he asked. “Whoever he is?”
“Pardon?”
“Come on, Izzy. I’ve known you since we were kids. There’s someone. You get this look.”
I didn’t answer.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me. But whoever he is, he’s an idiot for letting you go.”
“I’m the one who left, Bas.”
“Then, maybe you’re both idiots.”
I laughed despite myself.
“Thanks for everything, Bas.” I kissed his cheek.
“Izzy—”
“Good night,” I said, ducking inside before he could say more.
I went into the bedroom, dug my phone out of the drawer, plugged it in, and turned it on for the first time since December twenty-sixth.
The screen lit up with notifications.
Baron’s messages grew increasingly angry.Where are you? Call me. You’re making a mistake. This is unacceptable.
Kick left messages, and in each one, he said the same thing. “Call me, Isabel. Please.”
I deleted my father’s texts without responding, turned the phone off, removed the battery, and set it on the table.
Baron obviously knew I’d never gone to Italy. Which meant he’d be looking for me. But he’d neverthink to look here, at Thomas Whitmore’s estate. Never in a thousand years. Kick probably knew it too.
I went to bed and lay awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I’d made the right choice, but knowing it was the only one I could make.
