But I need to talk to Jess. Need someone who isn’t Corin to tell me whether I’m losing my mind or finally finding it.
The resort is quiet behind me. I saw a shadow moving along the perimeter a few minutes ago. Probably one of the resort security doing their nightly rounds.
I hit Jess’s number before I can overthink it.
Eleuthera is on Eastern Standard Time, just like New York. She should still be up.
Jess answers on the second ring. “Tell me you’re not working at midnight.”
Despite everything, I laugh. “It’s only eleven thirty. That’s practically early evening for a lawyer.”
“Amara.” Her voice has that particular mix of affection and exasperation she reserves for when I’m being ridiculous. “What’s is it?”
God, where do I even start?
“Corin told me everything,” I say finally. “About what really happened five years ago. Basically, he exonerated himself. And I believed him. But... I guess a part of me kind of doubted.”Because of how cold he became after sex.“Until today, when I found evidence in his files that proved he was telling the truth.”
There’s a pause. I can practically hear Jess sitting up straighter.
“Okay,” she says carefully. “I’m listening. Tell me everything.”
I go back inside and shut the patio door, because I don’t want my neighbors listening in. Also because I think a no-see-um just bit me.
Then I tell her everything. I don’t hold anything back. This information can’t weaponized. The legal proceedings were settled years ago, and all the regulatory inquiries are closed.
When I finish, Jess is quiet for a long moment.
“So he didn’t betray you,” she says finally. “He was protecting your mentor and got silenced for it.”
“Essentially.” I sit on the couch, pull my knees up to my chest. “Which means I’ve spent five years hating him for something he didn’t actually do.”
“And you had sex with him again,” Jess adds, because she never lets me forget the important details. “Four weeks ago.”
My cheeks heat. “Yes. Thank you for noticing that part in particular.”
“But you haven’t had sex since.”
“Not since.” I close my eyes. “Professional boundaries. His rules. And now I’m trying to decide if I should stay or leave when the contract ends. Which is in two days.”
“Stay or leave?” Jess’s voice sharpens. “Whywould you leave? You just found out he was telling the truth.”
“Because it’s complicated.”
“Everything with you is complicated, Amara.”
Ouch.
“That’s not fair,” I protest.
“Isn’t it?” Jess’s tone gentles, but she doesn’t back down. “You always do this. You hold people at arm’s length until they’re perfect, and when they’re not, you leave.”
The words land like a gut punch.
Because she’s right.
God, she’s so right it hurts.
“I’m not—” I start, but the defense dies in my throat.
