Billion Dollar Revenge (The Lincoln Brothers #2)

30. Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Chelsea

I count to one hundred before I roll out my purple yoga mat, which I found in my closet. Under the dark sky and light wind, I decide to step out onto the grass with bare feet. Breathing in the fresh crisp air feels different in my lungs.

I’m glad I decided to keep stuff here for when I visit. I swallow the lump that’s lodged in my throat at how that has slipped over the years.

Not anymore…

I do some single-leg stretches on each side before sitting up to drink water. It’s still dark out. I couldn’t sleep, so once it hit 5 a.m. on my alarm clock?and after half an hour of tossing and turning?I got dressed. Then I quietly trekked through the house on my tiptoes and snuck out without waking anyone up.

After running through my stretches and breath work, I roll up my mat and sit in a chair on the porch.

Watching the sunrise out here is exactly what I needed. The cool breeze and the birds chirping are the perfect morning tune. There’s nothing better than this.

The door creaks open, and I turn my head.

It’s my dad. I smile at him, but when he steps out with two cups, my lips stretch even more.

“Thanks,” I whisper, taking the cup from him.

Immediately sipping the coffee, I settle back into the chair.

Dad sits in his spot next to me, and we look out onto the yard. Neither of us speaks; we’re just content to sit here and drink our morning brew. Even the coffee tastes different. Or is it because it was made with love from my dad?

I cradle my half-empty mug in my hands and look over to the flowerbeds, noticing how he has recently been in there. It reminds me of growing up and helping him. Anna and I had our own gardening gloves and tools to help him. And I’m sure we ended up making more mess than if he had done it by himself, but he never said anything.

“Are you ready for the opening?” he asks, breaking my trip down memory lane.

“Definitely. It’s been a long time coming.” I tilt my head on the back of the chair to face him, meeting his proud gaze.

“You’ve taken your time doing it. I think it’ll be the best in New York.”

I smile at his enthusiasm. “That’s a big call.”

One of his eyebrows edges up in a challenge. “I’m a big guy.”

I shake my head and roll my eyes. Dad jokes are the worst, but God, it’s what I need right now. Sitting here with my dad and reflecting causes a splinter of pain to pierce my heart. I’ve missed them all so much.

“Do you need me to come back with you?”

I know he’s referring to New York.

Shifting my eyes back to him, I ask, “You’ll be there this week for the grand opening, right?”

He touches my shoulder and squeezes it. His eyes are bright. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

I let out the breath of air I was holding, suddenly thinking he wasn’t able to come. “Did Mom tell you I broke up with Bobby?”

“She did,” he replies simply.

I sigh loudly, feeling as if the burden has been lifted. I’m not mad at Mom. I wouldn’t have wanted to tell my dad. I feel like it’s the same as admitting I failed. I don’t want to let either of my parents down but, specifically, my dad. He’s so supportive and encouraging. He would’ve hated to know how little Bobby supported me. And how he belittled my passion for Pilates.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly.

I wonder if he’s talking in general, about Bobby, or the dreaded half-naked image of me. He hasn’t mentioned the newspaper. My dad reads it every day. I'm sure he saw it. I just hope he doesn’t bring it up. So I’m going to assume he asked about the breakup, and I feel fine discussing that with him.

“I should have done it a while ago,” I confess, shifting in my seat to get more comfortable.

His eyebrows rise a fraction. “Why do you say that?”

“He never met you guys,” I say, lowering my gaze to my coffee.

It’s something I regret more now that I’m back here. There’s nothing shameful or anything bad that’s happened here. It’s a beautiful place, just like my family. He should’ve been honored to have met them. I’ll never let that happen again. The next guy I date must come to Connecticut. Respect me and my family. Love me and my family. I shudder inwardly at the realization that I haven’t experienced it. I was close with Evan. I had just started to rebuild when everything fell apart and left me shattered.

Our futures don’t align. And that kills me. I’m more heartbroken over Evan than I was about Bobby. And that’s so fucking sad. I was with Bobby for two years, so that says just how little I truly felt for him, and how hard and fast I fell for Evan.

My dad hums. “It’s the lack of effort. He should’ve visited. Or when we came to New York, he should have come to dinner.”

“He never did,” I add, recalling the times I came to the restaurant alone, telling them he had to work. Now I doubt it was work.

“And he hurt you. In a big way.”

I slip down in my chair as if it can hide me. He’s referring to the gossip article. But I have to swallow my shame and learn to move on. If I can do that with the people I love, I can do it with strangers. Holding my dad’s eyes, I nod. “He did.”

I settle in, expecting him to ask questions about it.

“Did you want to go to Saville Dam?” He changes the subject unexpectedly.

We used to go regularly as a family for picnics when I was growing up. We’d often watch as people hiked the woodlands, fished or boated. I haven’t been in years. The thought of seeing the scenic views and soaking in the quiet while hanging with my family before I head back sounds perfect.

My lips spread wide as excitement warms me. “That sounds like the perfect thing to do before I head to the airport.”

“Let’s get a start on the picnic,” he says as he stands from his chair.

Dad and I have always been the early risers in the family. Anna and Mom love to sleep. We will have the picnic rug and basket packed and in the car before they wake.

My heart feels less heavy today. I’m so glad I came.

There’s a fear that when I get back, I’ll revert to having a heavy heart. The article and Evan still remain in the back of my mind. But I can’t hide forever. My studio is about to open, and I still need to finalize the menu, the music, and the decorations.

I’m so ready to open the doors to my new career. I’ve waited a long time for this moment. I can’t let anything take that excitement away from me.