“All right,” he says with enthusiasm. “So did you tell her you’re moving there?”
“Yes.”
“And? Jesus, J, do I have to drag the story out of you? It’s not even daylight here, and I’m on my way to put my body through hell—help a guy out.”
I roll my shoulders and take a seat at the kitchen table.
“I don’t think Olivia trusts yet that this can work.”
“She’ll come around once she realizes you’re dead serious.”
“I hope so.” Done talking about Olivia and me, I don’t elaborate.
Colton takes the cue. “How are the boys?”
“One of them just said ‘motherfucker.’ Guess where he claims he learned it?”
Long chuckle. “Sorry about that. I told him not to use it.”
I laugh. “Any other news before you have to go?”
“Yeah. Dylan’s charity has a meeting in Philly tomorrow on our one off-day this week. I’d go with him so I could hang with you, but Sky’s mom is in town. And Jasalie has a big meeting with an art gallery she can’t reschedule. So Dyl, because he hates doing these things alone, has convinced Brayden to go with him. He’s actually having his private plane make an extra stop in Montana to pick Bray up.”
I grin. “Christ.”
“I know. He’s so damn spoiled. Jasalie can’t stop teasing him for it.” Even as he jokes, Colton’s tone is filled with pride and affection.
“Will they have time to meet me for lunch?”
“Definitely. Dylan’s going to text you when he arrives; he wants to meet in Liberty Falls. He’s going to have a car service take him and Bray. And remember the Cougars are playing Philly in preseason. So we’ll see you in August. I’ll get tickets for you, Olivia, and the boys.”
“That’s awesome, Colt. Thanks.”
“Oh, by the way…something’s a little different with Dylan since you saw him last.”
“Since Maine and the memorial for Ayden’s father? That was only a month ago.”
“Yeah, well—” He trails off. “Look closely. That’s all I’ll say.”
As soon as we hang up, Meghan texts that she’s stuck in a staff meeting at work, and she can’t pick up the boys. Is it okay if they stay with me until tomorrow afternoon?
I run my hand down my face. Not the news I want to hear today, especially so last-minute. Mom and Dee have left to visit his daughter, and they’re at least an hour away. Olivia’s dad has that luncheon with the neighboring town’s mayor, and her mom’s going also. Daphne’s probably home but…well, she and I have never been close. And Sheldon and Olivia are both at work.
But I have about thirty minutes to pack up the boys and get to my board meeting on time. Missing the school’s announcement of my hiring would not be a good look.
Not knowing what else to do, I reach for the phone.
Olivia answers on the second ring. “Good morning and welcome to Union Bank. My name is Olivia. How can I help you?”
“Olive.” I try to keep the panic out of my voice. “I hate to bother you at work. I didn’t know who else to call.”
