“You’re welcome.”
I hang up with Mr. Notting and switch back to my call with Callie. She’s mid-conversation with someone in the room with her.
“Hey,” I say, my tone a stark difference from before.
“Hey! Sorry—bestie bitch time. See you later,” she says to whoever’s with her, then returns to our conversation. “What’s up? Did you find out what he’s wearing under those expensive suit pants?”
“No.”
She must hear it in my voice because she drops the teasing. “What did he say?” I don’t even have to tell her. She knows. “They contested. They want them.” She makes a noise that sounds a lot like a growl. “Art and Julianna?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay. That’s fine. They can want them. Doesn’t mean they’ll get them. You’re going to get them because you’re the best person for the job. That’s it. End of story.”
Callie sounds so sure. I wish I had her confidence in my abilities. If she’d been here this past month, she might think differently.
“When’s the court date? I can rearrange my schedule.”
“No, Callie. Stop. You’re not rearranging your schedule. This tour has been planned for months. You’re staying, you’re rocking it. By the way, I’ve been following along—you’re amazing. I know I haven’t been the best cheerleader lately, but I’m so proud of you. You stay put.”
“My parents are coming back from Ireland soon.”
“Stop it, Callie. I can handle this. Please stop recruiting your family.”
“But you shouldn’t have to do this alone. It’s my guilt.”
I know I’d be the same. If her life blew up and she had as many balls in the air as I do, I’d want to ditch all of my shit to be there next to her, but her podcast going on tour is way too big an opportunity for her to give up. She’s worked for too many years to make this dream happen.
“I can handle it,” I say again.
“Leighton, I know you can, but you shouldn’t have to.”
“I’ll be okay.” I think for a moment. Another ambulance’s siren blares as it gets closer to the hospital. Someone is having a much worse day than me. “Whatever you do, do not tell your brother, okay? I can handle this. I’m used to doing everything myself.”
“Isn’t that the problem though?” Callie asks.
I ignore her comment. I’m not in the mood to self-diagnose. “All right, Callie, let’s talk about something else. Tell me about the podcast.”
She’s quiet for a moment. She doesn’t want to tell me how good her life is while mine’s falling apart. But I want her to. I need to live through her if I’m ever going to survive this.
“Please,” I say softly.
She’s only silent for a few more seconds before she dives in, telling me everything, but with a little less gusto than I would’ve thought. Her life sounds so magical, so bright. I wish I could have a Freaky Friday with her, just for one day.
But I’m also so proud of her. She’s worked hard. She deserves all of the success she’s getting. I have to believe that one day I’ll be right alongside her—both of us living happy, fulfilled lives.
In this moment, it’s tough to picture though.
Chapter
Fifteen
Hayes
* * *
I’m jogging down the stairs of our condo building to catch an Uber so I can get to Leighton’s before Lake has to be at the party. I’m behind because I was asked to be in the media room again, which is a good thing. But it wasn’t ideal today when I don’t want to disappoint the one person who is used to being disappointed. Definitely not a good way for me to get in Leighton’s good graces. I don’t want Lake to have to call Leighton at work and ask her where the hell I am. Plus, Leighton’s mom is watching the kids right now, and Leighton told me her mom has some big auction event with her friends tonight, so if I don’t get there ASAP, I’ll be on all the Sinclair women’s hit lists.
