Broken by Tanille Edwards Read Free Book Online

the kitchen. What was he doing way back there when Cara was by the door? He glanced at his watch. Then he dialed his phone. I had a feeling. “Did you notice that Dimitri’s here?”
    â€œYes. Cara’s magic is working.” Sierra put air quotes around the word “magic.” “Be careful what you wish for.” I watched as Cara waved hello to some young girl and then rolled her eyes. She pulled Frenchy to the side and proceeded to tell her something or the other. No doubt it was about that girl—a little tacky.
    â€œIs Cece coming?” I asked.
    â€œIn her text, she said ‘no’,” Sierra said. Cara was coming our way. I still had half a plate left. I wasn’t slowing down for anyone.
    â€œHey, girls. What up?” Cara double-kissed us.
    â€œHey, the food’s great!” I said.
    â€œIt’s all right,” Sierra said.
    â€œSo you girlies going to the father-daughter brunch tomorrow?”
    â€œNo, Frenchy and I are going shopping with our Mom.”
    â€œToo bad. I’m going. My dad gets his act together every once in a while for a public appearance with me,” Cara said.
    â€œI’m going,” I said. Had I teleported out of my body? What was I thinking? I hadn’t even seen my Dad all last week.
    â€œGood, may the best dress win!” Cara said.
    â€œWin what?” Sierra asked.
    â€œI don’t know, there is some sort of father-daughter winner. The grand prize is $1,000 at Hermès.” Cara said.
    â€œWow, another handbag. Milan’s got all the new ones for fall already,” Sierra said.
    â€œI’d hate to beat you out, Milan,” Cara said.
    â€œYou won’t, so don’t feel bad,” I said.
    â€œWhy do you even care?” Sierra texted me.
    â€œMaybe if we win, we can get rid of her,” I texted. I was a little annoyed at Cara. But why?
    â€œYou must not have caught Dimitri checking her out. My guess is that we’re never getting rid of her.” Sierra texted.
    â€œWhat’s good?” Dimitri grabbed Cara by the arm. Sierra and Frenchy gave me weird stares.
    â€œI’m good,” Cara said.
    â€œSo you really want to hang out with my sister right now?” he asked.
    â€œDon’t be jealous.” She kissed him.
    â€œMerek. Let’s go back to Merek.” I walked away as fast as I could. But not before I caught a glimpse of a surprisingly familiar face. I stared in shock, ashamed at the spectacle.
    The two were hugged up tighter than cheese and bread on a grilled cheese melt. She was a young Cindy Crawford type—tall, skinny, dark, tossed-about hair, beauty mark above her lip, and a sun-kissed complexion with dark eyes. He was my father. The father I had never seen laugh since my mother had died. The grin from ear to ear alone had me in shock. I just stood there, waiting for him to see me, see him betray us. It felt like my heart was beating out of my chest. When he saw me, I felt the tears set free from my lids. I quickly lost myself in the crowd. I wiped my eyes.
    â€œWe have to go.” I grabbed Merek from behind.
    â€œWhy?” he asked.
    I gave my plate of food to the passing waiter. Merek took out his phone and started pointing it in my face. “Smile.”
    â€œNo pictures.”
    â€œWhy? I love pictures. It’s my thing: pictures, vids, anything I can post for my friends.” He put his head near mine.
    â€œThis is my beautiful friend, Milan. Milan, say hi.”
    â€œHi, je m’appelle Milan—”
    â€œWhere did you learn French?”
    â€œI didn’t. I just learned how to say my name from a stewardess at the airport in France. It’s the only thing I know.”
    â€œCan we talk about the toothache I gave you?” he asked.
    â€œNo,” I laughed.
    â€œWe are at a party in South Hampton, having fun. As you can see, the music is excellent. Wish you were here,” he said.
    â€œMe, too.