Black

“You better get moving.”

I glance at the clock. “Oh, shit. I bet the car is already here.” Grabbing the box, I slip on my shoes and hurry downstairs. Sure enough, a black town car is waiting out front.

An older gentleman sees me coming and takes a step forward. “Miss Black?”

“That’s me.”

He opens the door and I slide in, melting against the soft leather seats, and in a matter of seconds we’re weaving through the city traffic. It doesn’t take long to get to Rex’s, and when we arrive, the doorman smiles widely.

“Good evening, Miss Black. Mr. Ambrosi said you’d

be coming by tonight.” He opens the door and ushers me into the quaint lobby. “You’re going to take the elevator to the fifteenth floor, and there will be a small staircase leading to the roof. Mr. Ambrosi gave you the key?”

I pat my pocket. “Got it right here.”

He nods, pressing the button for the elevator, and the door slides open. “Have a good evening, Miss Black.”

I follow the directions, getting off the elevator and climbing the stairs. Using the key Rex gave me, I unlock the door, push it open, and step out onto the roof, smiling when I see what he’s done.

The space is small, but beautiful. Strands of white lights are strung along the railings, providing enough light to see my way around. A wicker couch and chair are adorned with navy blue cushions, and there’s a round glass table with a stainless-steel bucket.

Unsure of what’s in it, I walk across the small space and peek inside to find a bottle of sauvignon blanc buried in ice.

For the second time in a week, my heart flutters with excitement. I place the frosting on the table next to the wine and pull the blanket from the box. Shaking it out, I curl up on the seat, my feet tucked under my butt, and wrap the cozy warmth around my legs.

The days here are gorgeous, but the evenings can be cool, especially sitting on a roof, several stories up. Tilting my head back, I gaze up at the sky. The sun sits low in the horizon, casting the city in an array of beautiful colors. Streaks of red, orange, and pink paint the sky, and when a gentle breeze rushes past, my eyes drift shut, and I pretend I’m back at the lake on one of my birthdays.

If I concentrate really hard, I can almost hear the movement of the water as it laps against the dock, but the sounds of crickets chirping and frogs croaking are long gone, replaced by the noise of the busy street below, and the moment passes almost as quickly as it came.

Anxious for Rex to get here, I pull out my phone and text him so he knows I’m waiting.

Me: I can’t believe you did this. It’s perfect. Now get up here and join me. This sunset is too magical to enjoy alone.

I wait for a reply, but it never comes. I sit staring at my phone, wondering how I got here. When I came back to Chicago, it was to try to jog my memory—and if I was lucky, find my brother. I still want that, but somewhere along the way, my purpose changed. Rex charged his way into my life, took hold, and hasn’t let go. I don’t think I want him to.

Maybe I’ve been looking at things the wrong way. It’s possible that Bianca DiMarco is long gone, buried with the rest of her family. Maybe just being free of the burdened part of Shae Black is enough. With a heavy heart, I wonder if that’s what I should do with the letter—bury it away and leave the past in the past. If I find out that my father did, in fact, cheat on my mother, it could ruin every memory I have of him. And I don’t want to taint them, because memories are all I have.

But can I walk away knowing I might have a living sibling?

I’m not sure I can.

But maybe—maybe—I can focus on me for a while. I can get through Erin’s wedding and the Ambrosis’ anniversary party and enjoy my time with Rex.

Rex.

A smile touches my lips. Closing my eyes, I replay our time together. It’s only been a few weeks, but I feel like I remember every laugh, every smile, every kiss, and boy oh boy have there been some amazing kisses.

A shiver runs through me, and when I open my eyes, the sun has made its descent and the crescent moon hangs against the dusky gray sky. Pulling the blanket up higher, I tuck it around my body and reach for my phone again just as the door to the roof opens.

“Hey.” Standing up, I wrap the blanket around my shoulders and walk straight into his arms. “I was just getting ready to message you. This is so perfect.” I kiss the center of his chest before resting my chin on it.

Rex’s eyes don’t meet mine, and I notice that he’s never reached for me. His arms hang limp at his sides, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand up.

“Rex?”

Jaw clenched tight, his hard eyes find mine. Without saying a word, he removes my arms from his waist, steps around me, and walks toward the ledge. Resting his elbows on the railing, he looks out at the city.

I tighten the blanket around my shoulders, and it isn’t because of the cool breeze. I’ve never seen Rex like this. I open my mouth to demand he tell me what’s wrong when he spins and takes a step toward me. The warmth I’m used to seeing in his eyes is gone, replaced by a cold, lifeless stare, and I know I’m going to hate whatever comes out of his mouth.