Page 22 of Broken Butterfly
“Other thanTatiána, you haven’t said anything about yours. Are they going to be mad at you for skipping out of town with me and missing class? Or giving away millions of dollars to a women’s shelter?”
The sharp curse that erupts from Fallon causes several nearby pigeons to scatter and take flight. “My parents could give a flying fuck what happens to me. Right before he passed away, my grandfather set up a trust fund for me that my parents cannot touch. I have my own money and they can’t do shit about it. Pisses the old man off that he can’t control me anymore.”
Fallon’s mood grows ominous, and I regret bringing up the subject.
“I’m sorry, Fallon.”
“Nothing to be sorry about, kitten. As long as I carry on the family name and take over the business when I graduate, that’s all my grandfather asked of me. I’m left to my own devices the rest of the time, just the way I like it.”
“That sounds very lonely.”
Fallon just shrugs and unhooks our arms, sliding his gloved hand down to my hand. His fingers tangle with mine and hold tight. He takes me for a carriage ride through Central Park and listens to me talk about my memories of my sister. Being able to talk about her, laugh about the times when we were silly, reminisce about her beautiful poetry, helps mend a part of my heart that was cracked and fractured. And I have Fallon to thank for that.
After our carriage ride, Fallon takes me ice skating at Bryant Park under the cloak of darkness. When we return to our hotel suite, we order room service for dinner and watch a movie. At midnight, we sit out on the balcony and enjoy a beer as we survey the city around us. We’re flying out toReykjavik in the morning.
Fallon walks back inside the suite and returns a minute later holding a passport out to me. I choose not to ask how the heck he was able to get a passport for me in such a short amount of time. Mom had gotten passports for me and Hailey in preparation for our summer vacation trip to England after my high school graduation. The photo inside the passport Fallon just handed me is the same one I took senior year for that passport. Fallon must have some very good contacts if he was able to get a new one delivered in twenty-four hours. So instead of asking questions, I simply tell Fallon thank you.
“Secret for a secret?” he asks me before finishing his beer.
“Hmmm,” I hum, feeling pleasantly relaxed after a long but fulfilling day. “I had a great time with you today.”
Fallon rolls his head to the side to look at me. “I did, too.” He reaches out with his hand and I place mine in it. “Close your eyes, Elizabeth, and tell me who you see.”
I allow my eyelids to flutter close. “I see Ryder and Jayson.” I open my eyes. Fallon is still looking at me. “But when I open my eyes, I see you, Fallon.”
He breathes deeply and stands up, lifting my hand to his mouth and pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. “Good night, kitten. Be ready to go by six.” He turns my hand over and kisses the center of my palm, then walks inside.
“Good night, Fallon,” I whisper.
Me: Jay called me last night.
Ry: WTF!
Ry: That’s why he asked to borrow my phone.
Me: I thought he used the PI. Change your damn passcode asshole. If he starts blowing up my phone again, I won’t give u my new number.
Ry: What did he say?
Me: Same Jay bullshit he always says.
Me: We’re off to our next destination tomorrow.
Ry: Are u ever going to tell me where you guys are going? Are u even still in the country?
Me: Currently, yes. Tomorrow, no. And no, I’m not going to tell u. She picked out all the places we’re going though.
Ry: Is she doing any better?
Me: Actually, yeah.
Ry: That’s so good to hear. Her friend Meredith is frantic to speak with her. Think Elizabeth can call her or something sometime?
Me: No.
Ry: Trevor asked how she was. He and Elizabeth have gotten close.
Thinking about Trevor anywhere near Elizabeth just pisses me off. Goddamn Trevor.
