He busts out laughing. “I’m just giving you a hard time. I hope the apartment is everything you need it to be.”
“Thanks.” My phone dings in my pocket. My heart rate jumps. Is this it? Is she finally reaching out?
“Are you going to see who it’s from?” He nods toward my pants. “It could be life changing.”
He’s right. It could be…for better or worse. I’m almost scared to see who it’s from. There’s no time like the present, I guess.
I pull out my phone. The first thing I see is the picture from the botanical gardens on my lock screen. I would give anything to go back to that moment. We were tucked away in our own little world. Nothing could touch us.
When I check the message notification, my stomach drops.
“That’s not a good look. I guess it’s not Paula.”
“No, I’m pretty sure it’s her brother.” I open themessage to read the entire thing, and dread fills every part of me.
Unknown Number
Tristan, it’s Pierce. We need to talk.
My thumb hovers over the phone to respond. He probably wants to warn me away from his sister, and I don’t know if I’m ready to hear that. But I have a question first.
Tristan
How did you get my number?
I take a moment to save his contact information in my phone. That could be useful later.
Pierce
Parker gave it to me.
There’s no way Parker would have willingly gave him my number. I mean, I don’t know him very well, but it doesn’t make sense why he would. Now I’m curious.
Tristan
Oh. What day do you have in mind?
Pierce
Tonight if possible.
This raises my hackles. Why the rush? I mean he’s more expedient than his sister, sure. But from what I gathered during the trip, he’s not exactly team Tristan.
Tristan
Sure. Send me an address and time.
That sounds very threatening, and I consider editing the message. In the end, I leave it as stands. A few moments later an address and time shows up on my screen.
“Sorry, Dale. I’m not making the meeting tonight. I have other plans.”
He nods and helps me off the floor. “Remember, no fighting. I’ll bail you out of jail if I have to, but I’d really rather not. We’ve built a positive reputation here.”
“We all know I’m a lover, not a fighter.” At least, I am for now. Who knows what will happen tonight. Either way, I plan on giving Pierce a piece of my mind.
It’s dark when I pull up to the address Pierce sent me. I’m pretty sure I saw a sign for Starlit Fields when I turned into the driveway. Why in the world would he have me meet him here? Surely, he won’t act like an ass on company property. I have no idea what’s in store for me, but I don’t see anything good coming from this. His actions have proven he’s not my biggest fan.
The number of times I pulled out my phone to call Paula today is unreal. At one point Dale took my phone away. I wanted to tell her Pierce contacted me. Dale told me it would be better if I go to this meeting and see whather brother has to say. Honestly, I think he’s doing his best to protect me from heartbreak. It’s a part of life, though. He can’t protect me from things I willingly seek out. I’ll go through hell on earth for Paula, even if this meeting doesn’t go well.
