Wilder: What’d he do this time?
An image pops up on my screen, stealing my breath. It’sCallie in the library during story time. She has Emmy by her side, an oversized puppet on her arm. They both wear bright smiles as Callie holds out the book so the crowd can see the illustration. Emmy’s looking up at my girl like she hung the fucking moon. I’m not convinced she didn’t.
Olivia: If you let this woman get away I’ll never forgive you.
Wilder: Callie’s family now. She’s not going anywhere.
Griffin: Jaxy on the other hand…
Ruby: I’m so late to this party, but I’m here for Jax and the hot librarian.
Jaxon: You can all kiss my ass.
Wilder: You better watch how you speak to my wife.
Ruby: Hey, I’m on your side.
Jaxon: Except you. You’re still my favorite.
Atticus hops onto my lap and glares at me.
“What do you want me to do? She won’t talk to me.”
Not that I’ve tried all that hard. I sent her a text asking if she wanted me to pick up dinner last night, and she didn’t respond. Then this morning, I grabbed her favorite coffee from Chapters and Brews, but she was already gone by the time I got back with it. The only sign she’s been here at all is the half-empty jar of pickles in the fridge. It was full when I placed it there the day before.
I can take a hint, but it stings.
I mentally curse Griffin for getting her car fixed. If I were still driving her around, she’d have no choice but to talk to me.
I exit out of the sibling group chat and send a private text to Ruby.
Jaxon: Are you home?
Ruby: If by home you mean the penthouse, then yes.
Jaxon: See you in an hour.
Ruby: Drive safe.
The hour-long drive to Nashville gives me too much time to think. I convince myself to turn around no less than four times, then talk myself out of it while I spiral over every moment I’ve spent with Callie the last few months. By the time I arrive at Ruby’s penthouse, my mind is a jumbled mess of thoughts and emotions, none of which seem to make any sense.
I give her bodyguard, Nico, a curt nod as I exit the elevator on the penthouse level with a stack of takeout boxes in hand.
I hand him one.
“Thanks,” he says.
He’s a man of few words, and intimidating as hell, but he protects my sister. That’s good enough for me.
When the door swings open, Ruby pulls me in for a crushing hug.
I laugh and pat the top of her head with my free hand. “What was that for?”
“I saw the Gloria’s takeout boxes on the security cam.”
I narrow my eyes at her.
“And I missed you,” she admits. “Come in.”
