We hung up and I put another checkmark on my list. Now, I had to wait to see what would happen and find a new agent.
Then it was time to get Sarah back.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Sarah
No papers ever showed up for me to sign to keep mum about everything that happened between me and Brigham. It should’ve eased my heartache, knowing that I could go on and post all about it if I wanted to—but I would never do that. Not to another human being. It didn’t matter that he’d broken my heart and shattered it—he still had a lot to deal with.
As I packed my clothes into my suitcase and duffel, it hit me that at one point I would’ve been carrying these across the hall to live with Brigham. Sharing his bed and shower, and seeing him every day. I closed my eyes as the familiar ache grew in my chest. It hadn’t dulled in the past three weeks, but it had lost the ability to render me speechless.
I accepted that I would carry a Brigham-sized dent in my heart where he’d forever imprinted himself there. Even if it was a lie. Cassie and Pico sat on the ground, adorable little heads resting on their paws, and watched me. “You two excited to see your daddy again?”
Tail thumps.
“I bet you are. He’s been gone a long time!” I bent down and scratched both their heads. “I’m going to miss you. Your snoring, Cassie. Your full-body hugs, Pico.”Don’t get emotional. They aren’t your dogs.“Maybe you’ll come visit me at my new place.”
Pico tilted his head to the side, making me laugh. He was so damn expressive. I sighed and double-checked the dryer, the bathroom drawers and the floor for any loose items that could’ve fallen out. Mr. Alexandre was due back within the hour, and after getting the final payment, I would be off.
Saying goodbye to this place, to Fernie and to all the memories I had with Brigham. God, it hurt. I rubbed my chest and focused on the exciting parts of my life. Moving into my place early. The seller had negotiated with me so I could move in earlier than planned. I had zero time to buy furniture besides an air mattress and some folding chairs Megan had lent me. But I would have a place of my own, away from my parents and from Brigham. Despite the heartache and sleepless nights, it was the start of me living my dream job.
All my shit was packed, sitting by the door, and I had two plates of caramel cookies on the counter. One, obviously for Mr. Alexandre, the other a departing gift for Fernie. It was weird to think about missing this place that was so far out of my league, but it had grown on me. I would miss the grumpy man.
Megan: Still want us to meet you outside in twenty minutes?
Sarah: Yup. Just waiting for Alexandre and I’ll be out. I owe you.
Megan: Friends don’t owe each other, Blue.
God, I was lucky to have her and Ethan in my life and in my corner. With one final sigh, I sat on the couch and didn’t have to wait more than ten minutes before Alexandre walked in and dropped to the floor. “My babies!”
Pico and Cassie sprinted to him, sliding on the tiled floor with little clicks of their nails, and he hugged them both to his chest. “I’ve missed you. Wow. Come here. Oh, you’re so cute!”
Seeing a very posh, professional-looking man lose his shit over dogs might be my new favorite thing.I laughed, causing him to look up at me with a slight blush of his cheeks. “They missed you.”
“Oh, I missed them. Thank you, Sarah. Thank you for taking care of them.” He picked them both up and gave me the goofiest smile I had ever seen on him. Even during the Facetimes, he’d remained put together. Not now. “And with Pico’s visit to the ER… thank you for that.”
“It was nothing. They really grew on me.” I walked up and petted their little heads. “With your payments, I’m able to start my own business now. If you ever leave or need a long-term watch, let me know. I’d love to see these guys again.”
“I definitely will.” He set the dogs down and shook my hand. “Any way I can help, with a review or word of mouth, let me know. Please.”
I bit back a smile. “I will.”
“Here is the second half of the amount we agreed on.” He unfolded a check from his pocket and handed it to me. “I added a ten percent tip.”
“Shit.” I hissed at the added amount and already knew what I was going to spend it on.Ads.“This helps.”
“I’m glad.” He indicated the bags with his chin. “Do you need help with your stuff?”
“Nope. My friends are here.” I shouldered the duffel and grabbed the handle of the shitty suitcase. “Enjoy your time with your pups. I left you a plate of cookies.”
“Oh, who is that one for?”
“Fernie.”
“The old bastard. He’s sneaky, isn’t he?”
The warmth on his face made me feel happy that not everyone in the building teased him. “He is. Well, this is it.”
