“What?”
“You can’t fix this.”
Karan’s jaw clenches. “So, I’m just supposed to let her be miserable?”
I give him a small smile. “No. Here’s what I propose—take the kids out somewhere. Mom’s birthday is in two weekends, so give Rachel the whole day.”
“And just leave her alone?” he exclaims.
“Course not, dumbass.” I chuckle. “I’ll spend the day with her. She can have a break from the kids, and if she wants to talk, I’ll be there.” For me, this is a step in the right direction. If I can’t be there for Océane yet, I can start with Rachel.
Even though it terrifies me.
Karan can’t see it right now, but if he were to look closely, there’s a slight tremble in my hand. He nods in approval. That grin is back on his face. “You’re a genius.”
“No. I’m just her brother.” I know how she gets when she feels like shit. Unlike Océane, who’s very openly emotional in front of others, a fighter, Rachel is a flighter.
I glance at my phone and raise my eyebrows at seeing the time. “I need to wrap this up soon. I’m meeting with Soph—I mean, a client.”
Karan’s eyes go wide. “Wait, what? Were you about to say Sophie? Sophie Côté? She’s your client?” His face goes pale.
Shit. I wasn’t ready to talk about this yet.
In all honesty, I’m still slightly terrified to face her today. I have no idea what came over me when I made her beg for my help over the phone. I couldn’t drop the cocky attitude for five minutes?
Apparently not. And now she’s going to be pissed.
I sigh and rub my face. “Don’t tell Rachel.”
He gapes at me. “So itisher. Holy shit.”
“Please don’t tell Rachel.”
“Why not?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Do you still like her?”
“I never said I liked her.” My heart skips a beat. “She has a business. Her business needs help. End of story. Now, can you swear to me that you’re not going to tell Rachel about this?” I narrow my eyes in a menacing stare. “You still need my help on our mother’s birthday, so watch yourself, man.”
Now it’s his turn to chuckle. “Okay, fine, fine.” He shrugs. “I won’t say anything for now. But I think you’ve got some shit to figure out.”
Does he think I don’t know that? I stand, determined to end this conversation. “Like I said, gotta go.” Without discussing it, we both understand he’s paying the bill today. “Remember what I said—don’t try to talk to Rachel about this stuff. It’ll just backfire.”
He ushers me off with a wave. “Got it. Thanks, man.”
I rush out of the microbrewery, wiping my face with a trembling hand as I ready myself for what is sure to be a difficult afternoon.
CHAPTER 11
SOPHIE
The warm aroma of coffee and baked goods fills the air as I sit across from Will at a small corner table at Pages & Beans. His chestnut hair is just tousled enough to tip him from ‘professional’ to ‘insanely gorgeous,’ and his piercing black eyes gaze at me intently over the rim of his coffee mug. The slate grey dress shirt he’s wearing brings out the warmth in his complexion, its sleeves rolled up to reveal strong, sinewy forearms.
What a terrible start.
I glance around us to take my mind off Will’s stupid forearms, taking in the cozy atmosphere of the bookstore that doubles as a coworking space. After my experience with Natalie at my usual coworking space, going back there left a bad taste in my mouth, so I opted for a new spot. And now I’m disappointed in myself for not discovering this place sooner. Soft jazz music plays over hidden speakers, complementing the quiet murmur of conversation and the scratch of pens on paper from the aspiring novelists scattered at tables nearby. Rays of the autumn afternoon sun slant through the windows, illuminating worn leather armchairs and overflowing bookshelves.
