“I talked with that attorney Jess referred me to, and he’s already in action. Thanks, honey, for making that happen.”
“Jess is the one we need to thank. She didn’t even hesitate to help.”
“Yes, we will have to thank her. When this is all over, maybe you can help me figure out how.”
“Of course, Dad. Is Mom home?”
“Her flight was delayed. I think she’ll be late.”
My jaw clenches.One last quickie before she left her boss behind?I wonder. It’s a horrible thought I wish I could scrub from my mind. “You okay?” I ask, guilt stabbing at me for making plans tonight now that he’s alone again.
“I’m wonderful, honey. I’m actually going to have another chat with the attorney after he calls one of the interested bidders. Good things are happening. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Oh. Well, that’s good. Really good. You sound good, too,” I add, noting his tone as warm and lifted.
“I feel good. What about you? Do you have a fun Friday-night date?”
My eyes go to the computer screen, where the box remains empty. “Jess and Jack are coming over. We’re doing a wine-and-pasta night.”
“That sounds wonderful. Don’t let me keep you. I’m going to eat some of that leftover pizza before your mother gets here and talks me out of it.”
Because he has to hide everything from her now. Because she is hiding things from him now, too,I think, but I keep my tone positive. “If you get news tonight, will you call me?”
“I’ll text, but I doubt there will be much to tell. The attorney, Nick, he’s setting boundaries for the bidding war.”
“Bidding war?” I say. “Okay, that sounds exciting.”
“Yes. Yes it does. Now gohave fun.Love ya, hon.”
“Love you, too, Dad.”
We disconnect, and I look down at the computer screen.
Adam logged off. He’s just gone. Without answering me.
There is a stab of disappointment in me I do not understand. The man has a cartoon emoji for a photo.
The buzzer for the door downstairs goes off, telling me at least one of my two Js is here.
I shut the computer and declare Adam out of mind.
He’s the invisible man. And he’s invisible to me.
As it should be.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The two Js manage to show up at the same time, and in a rush of conversation, they overtake my tiny little loft. Jess is in a velvet sweatshirt and Jack in jeans and a tee, a casual night of fun in the air. As for the food, it’s on its way, and while waiting, our little threesome gathers around the kitchen island, and soon our glasses are filled.
“What’s this?” Jess asks, sliding the Tiffany box in her direction.
“From Kara,” Jack supplies. “It’s to congratulate her on her first presentation.”
Jess tilts her head in my direction. “The disastrous presentation?”
“Yes,” I assure her. “Itwasdisastrous. It’s a pity gift.”
Jess lifts the lid and looks inside. “Expensive pity gift.”
