Page 214 of The Heart You Kept

“Beautiful day.” Philippe smiles as if reading my mind.

“It sure is.” I get into the back of the waiting car and smile out the window as we drive down the street. It’s been a very long time since I felt this happy.

It’s a perfect day.

10 A.M.

“You have a meeting at ten with Mr. Kennedy.”

“Uh-huh.” I go through my emails as Antoinette, my assistant, reads my day out for me from my calendar.

“And tonight you have the Biffa Gala event.”

I glance up from my computer. “Tonight?”

“Yes, sir.”

Hmm, I think for a moment. I want to see Alora alone tonight. “I’m unable to attend, please cancel on my behalf and send my apologies.”

She glances up. “I don’t know if⁠—”

“Do it.” I cut her off.

“It’s very late notice, sir.”

“I’m taking a break from all engagements for the foreseeable future.”

She looks up again. “What do you mean?”

“I’m burnt out. I won’t be attending anything after hours at night or weekends until further notice.”

“This weekend you have the Formula One.”

“Cancel.”

“But you always go…. You host an event?”

“Antoinette.” I cut her off. “What don’t you understand with this conversation?”

“Yes, sir.” She writes something down in her calendar. “Is there….” She hesitates as if choosing her words wisely. “Is there anything the matter, sir?”

“No.” I open a new email. “I have a personal project that I’m currently working on and it requires my full attention.”

“Yes, sir.” She scribbles something down. “When will your schedule be reopening?”

“I’ll let you know.”

ALORA

If walking on sunshine were a feeling, I am the golden girl.

My feet haven’t touched the ground all day.

“Just help me put this couch by the window?” I ask.

Jonty holds one end and I lift the other as we struggle to carry the couch. “Why have you decided to move the entire shop around today?” He grimaces as we lift.

“You’ll see.” We put the couch down and I glance around the store. “Okay, now we move that coffee table in front of this couch and a lamp on the table in the corner.”