Bruised, but in one piece
.
“Clint,” I breathed.
He wrapped me up in a massive hug and picked me up.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I couldn't make it. It’s been a whirlwind of a night.”
I buried my face in his neck. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
He kissed the side of my head. “I’m sorry I worried you.”
“What happened with your father?”
He set me down on my feet and cupped my cheeks. The smile on his face lit up my insides. He crashed his lips against mine, weakening my knees. And as he caught me in his arms, he smiled against my lips.
“Come upstairs. I’m helping Cecilia pack her things.”
I paused. “What?”
He snickered. “Cecilia’s leaving my father. Finally. Come on. Upstairs, with me.”
“What do you mean, ‘leaving him’?”
“I mean, she’s leaving him. Filing for divorce. Not going with him to this new house.”
He tugged me up the steps behind him like a kid at Christmas time.
“I mean, that’s great. But I don’t get why that’s good news for you,” I said.
He laughed. “It’s not, but it’s great news for her and I’m happy for her. I’m proud of her, Rae!”
I still didn’t understand. But, I rejoiced with them all the same. He pulled me into the massive master bedroom and I gawked at its beauty and size. I looked up toward the vaulted ceilings and slowly turned around. It was beautiful. This one room was half the size of my fucking house alone.
“It’s good to see you, Rae.”
Cecilia’s voice hit my ears and my eyes whipped over to her. She smiled at me and held out her arms, prompting me to hug her. I rushed over to her and held her close. The room felt different. Her aura felt different. Even her smile looked different.
I giggled. “Divorce looks good on you.”
She barked with laughter. “I’m not divorced yet. But I’m getting there.”
Clint piped up. “We’ve still got a lot to pack up. You in?”
I nodded. “I’m in for helping, yeah.”
Cecilia drew in a short breath. “Oh, by the way. If you see anything in the ‘discard’ pile you or your mother might like, feel free to take it. It’s all going to a donation place anyway.”
I smiled. “I appreciate that. Thanks.”
Clint took my hand. “Here, I’ll show you what we’re up to right now.”
Clint led me into a closet that was easily the size of my bedroom. Probably bigger, to be honest. There were drawers pulled open showcasing sizzling diamonds. Ruby red gems. Bright gold and rose gold jewelry. An entire wall of sunglasses. Purses tossed onto the floor. It looked like a bomb had gone off in this place. And in its wake, designer clothes for people to rummage around in.
Cecilia definitely had great taste in fashion.
“This is the packing pile. And believe it or not, it’s only half the size it was. Everything else is kind of scattered around, but they are the ‘discard’ piles. We’re going to sort all the discarded stuff by accessory and clothing type before boxing it up.”