It’s bad enough with Leah and Kris. Kris has asked me every day if I’ve spoken to Elijah. I made him swear he wouldn’t call him.
“Don’t say that. It’s not appropriate.”
Kat grips both my shoulders.
“We both know if Darra hadn’t got pregnant, you and Elijah…”
I shake my head. “No, we wouldn’t. Elijah didn’t see me like that. I was one of the boys, his partner,” I whisper.“That was a lifetime ago. We’re no longer the same people.”
“You need to speak to him. Let him know you’re back. See what happens. You don’t need to tell him anything else. Not unless you want to. My big brother might surprise you.”
My chest aches at the thought of seeing Elijah again. I don’t tell her how many times I’ve picked up the phone and put it down again.
“It won’t help.”
“Why not?”
“Because—”
“Because what?”
“Because if he doesn’t want me. I don’t know what I’ll do.”
Kat pulls me into her arms.
“But at least you’ll know once and for all. This time, you’re both free. Maybe it’s your time.”
“And if it’s not?”
“Then we work on a plan Z.”
CHAPTER 38
ELIJAH
There’s a knock on my office door.
“Come in,” I say, looking up as Todd pops his head in.
“Hi,” he says, stepping into the room. “Got a moment?”
“Of course. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I wanted to give you the good news. The final release has gone live with no issues on any site.”
I drop back in my chair and smile. The tension I’ve been holding finally releasing.
Todd smiles back. “I also wanted to let you know the new procedures you recommended are also being installed this week. They should stop anything like this from ever happening again.”
I get up and move around my desk, holding out a hand.
“Thank you, Todd, for everything.”
He stares at my hand and grins.
“Don’t thank me. You’re the one smart enough to realise something was amiss.” His smile drops. “If you hadn’t.”
He doesn’t need to say anymore.
