Free CUL-DE-SAC (On The Edge Book 1) by M.E. YILDIRIM

knows I deserve it and
you will tell me what put this look in your eyes.”
    It took half an hour for Chloé to be ready
and another fifteen until they were seated in a cozy coffee shop. ‘Something
yummy’ turned out to be a non-fat Frappuccino and a Mango Smoothie for
Catalina.
“He did a number on you. I’m sorry sweetie, I know what this camera meant to
you.” Chloé squeezed her hand in sympathy after Catalina shared events of the
last few days with her best friend.
“But…?” Cat looked at her expectantly knowing better than to believe it was all
she had to say.
“But… I warned you more than once about risks you are taking. I am not saying I
don’t understand why you do; growing under Florence’s gimlet eye would make
anyone rebel at least once in a while. And as much as the guy proved himself to
be an ass, this adventure of yours could have been avoided altogether.”
“I don’t see it that way.” Cat protested.
“Of course you don’t, that’s why you keep doing it obviously. But really, in
the very least you should have taken me with you.” Chloé pouted and Catalina
laughed faintly.
“Now that sounds more like you.” She agreed.
“How is the exhibition coming together?” Chloé wanted to know.
“I am very excited to be a part of it. I think the choice of topic is going to
be a hit, mostly because it should display the side of city most are unaware
of.”
“Hate to burst your bubble, but most simply don’t care.” Chloé noticed.
“I hope it will change their views then.”
“You know how proud of you I am? I keep telling people I know The C.
Bennett and a few people told me they are going to be there.”
“Well, when I brag about being friends with The Chloé, they just want
your phone number.” Cat muttered and they both laughed. “I appreciate your
support, especially since…”
“Don’t do this to yourself, sweetie,” Chloé cut her off. “A day will come when
your grandmother understands there is so much more to you than the social
butterfly she tried to mold you into and that there are other worlds out there beyond
the Upper Crust one.”
“Great speech, wish I had something more to toast it with than a smoothie.” Cat
commented.
“You are getting mean, which means it’s time for a date. Did I tell you I know
this guy who…”
“Save your breath. I am too busy and uninterested.” Catalina’s reaction was
instantaneous.
“And how can you know that if you don’t even give him a chance?” Chloé demanded.
“Fine, maybe after the exhibition then.”
“I see through you, Miss Bennett. But I will have you know my memory works
perfectly and we will get back to this subject right after it and not a minute
later.”
“As much as I believe in persistence, I don’t think it holds quite the same
appeal when work is taken out of the equation.” Catalina said.
“Work this, work that! There is so much more to life than work alone!” Chloé
threw her hands in the air in exasperation.
“Speaking of which… what happened to Todd?”
“Todd!” Chloé pursed her lips. “Even his name was boring.”
“That answers that.” Catalina nodded not surprised in the least.
    Todd, Tom, Timothy… the names didn’t matter
at all, because as much as men were flocking to Chloé for the obvious reasons none
wanted to get to know the woman behind the model persona, Cat thought. Most
were superficial and who knew that better than herself?
    In her world, or rather in Florence
Bennett’s world, the front veneer was all that mattered. People didn’t care
about what lay beneath and it was a shame really, because in Catalina’s opinion
that was where the crux of every matter was hidden.
“And you ask why I’m not interested in dating?” She taunted her.
“Ah, but it is not about the end result. Sooner or later it’s unavoidable to be
disappointed. To me it is all about the chase and games at the beginning.” She
winked at Cat who only shook her head.
“That’s very