Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
“Thanks for the help,” Frankie says to his workers.
He gives them a tip and shows them out the door. I check my phone for the time and see that our reservation is right around the corner. I’ve got to get dressed, or we’re going to be late. I give Frankie a kiss before hurrying into our bedroom to find something to wear. But before I can try on any of my new dresses, there’s a loud knock on the apartment door.
I poke my head out of the primary bedroom, surprised by the sound. “Are you expecting someone?” I ask suspiciously.
“No,” Frankie admits.
He reaches into one of the dressers that has just been delivered and removes a gun. I don’t approve, but I don’t say anything either. I know that Frankie’s just trying to keep us safe, and that his job involves a lot of shady characters that I wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley.
He tucks the gun into the back of his pants where he can get at it easily. Then he readjusts his shirt so that it’s no longer visible. Glancing at me cautiously, he opens the door. I half expect it to be one of our new neighbors, but that’s not likely, considering Frankie’s reaction.
He steps back to reveal a man who looks like he’s seen better days. “Brandon!” Frankie says. He opens his arms and catches the man, helping him over to a seat.
Brandon collapses, his clothing wrinkled and his hair standing up in the back. He looks like someone who’s been on a weeklong bender, and he smells about the same. I’m surprised and a little bit disappointed. I think the arrival of Marlena’s brother signals the end of the romantic dinner I had planned.
“Get him a glass of water,” Frankie suggests.
I nod in agreement, closing the door before going into the kitchen. I can’t help but wonder if this is the start of a whole new adventure. Hopefully, whatever happens next won’t be nearly as exciting as the roller coaster we’ve just disembarked from. But then again, my struggles with Harlan and Andretti are what brought Frankie and me together, so I guess they weren’t all bad.
I pour a glass of water from the tap and return to the living room. Frankie and Brandon are talking in hushed tones, apparently trying to protect me from whatever is going on. I hand over the water and go back to the bedroom. There’s no sense in getting all dressed up if we’re just going to be hanging out at home all night.
The word ‘home’ has a nice ring to it. I gaze out the window on the street below and thank my lucky stars I’ve arrived.
THE END