Chapter 19 - RETURNING TO CHICAGO
Friday morning arrived with clear blue skies and a crisp,
invigorating breeze blowing off Boston Harbor.
The town car idled quietly in the driveway as the driver loaded my luggage into the trunk.
Arthur,
Chloe,
and Marcus stood on the front porch to wave goodbye.
“Don’t be a stranger in Boston,
” Chloe said,
hugging me tightly before stepping back.
“You’re always welcome at our Sunday dinners.
”
“Only if I’m cooking,
” I laughed,
returning the embrace warmly.
I turned to Arthur,
shaking his hand firmly before pulling him into a respectful hug.
“Take care of yourself,
Arthur.
”
“And keep building empires,
my dear,
” Arthur smiled proudly.
“I’ll be watching your skyscrapers rise all the way from Boston.
”
I slid into the backseat of the town car,
watching through the tinted window as my former marital home faded into the distance.
Logan International Airport was bustling with morning travelers.
Boarding Pass in hand,
I walked down the jet bridge and took my seat in first class,
settling comfortably against the plush leather headrest.
As the jet engines roared to life and the aircraft taxied down the runway,
I looked out the window at the receding Boston skyline.
Seven years of compromise,
deceit,
and emotional captivity were left behind in the clouds.
Chicago awaited.
May you like
And this time,
I wasn't coming back as anyone's ATM.
