“Yeah. Well, not just the Iyala ones. I love all nail stuff. But the Iyala special collections are always the best.”
“I’ve always been partial to the winter collections. They’re always a bit more magical. Don’t get me wrong, the summer ones are great. But the winter ones …”
“The winter ones are always different. Not just red or pink or orange. They come up with some cool colors for the winter collections. They’re kind of funky.”
I nod, delighted that she picked up on the things I strove to achieve in my years with Iyala Polishes. “Yes. Exactly.”
Kennedy grins, satisfied.I’ve passed her inspection.
I’m reveling in my success when I realize I don’t need to pass her inspection because I’m not staying.
I clear my throat and avoid Chase’s gaze. “I need to get back to the hotel, Maggie. I have a few calls to make this afternoon.”Namely, to buy a ticket home. “Can I give you a call later today?”
Maggie quickly glares at her son before settling her smile on me. “Absolutely, sweetheart.”
A lump settles in my throat, and I turn toward Lonnie.
“Good to see you again, Lonnie,” I say. “It was nice to meet you too, Kennedy.”
Her brows wrinkle. “Yeah. You, too.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Chase says, his voice rough.
Now he’s being nice?It takes everything I have not to roll my eyes and tell him not to bother.
“I’ll see you all later,” I say, waving as I make my way across the room.
“I hope so,” Maggie says.
Chase holds the door for me as I step outside.
The air is blustery, filled with the promise of winter in the distance. I slip my hands into my pockets and hurry down the sidewalk. If I walk fast enough, maybe Chase won’t follow.
I’m reaching for the door handle when he speaks.
“Megan.”
“What?”
I pop open the door before looking at him.
His eyes are foggy as if a storm is rolling through them. He lets his arms hang at his sides, and his jaw slips.
Why do you have to be such a dick?
At first, this situation was entertaining. Riling him up was fun and watching him squirm made my day. But now? Now that I’ve seen Maggie again, hugged Lonnie, and met Kennedy—it’s not such a joking matter. And neither is the bullshit he was saying about not trusting me.
Because it is bullshit. I don’t know why he doesn’t want me here, but that’s not it.
And it’s not my problem.
I wait for him to explain why he stopped me, but he doesn’t.
“It was nice to meet you,” I say, climbing into my car.
“Wait.”
I sigh, resting my head on the headrest. I squeeze my eyes closed for a second. “What do you want, Chase?”
