I pull out my phone and swipe to my text screen, confirming I answered Kyle with the information about where to meet me. The old me would have been excited about this potential match but I find it hard to find joy in anything given the circumstances.
I've been struggling with my mind, even before what happened with my dad and Ricardo, so maybe that's adding to my lack of enthusiasm.
Kyle sent a thumbs-up after my text and I stare at it so long that it sort of morphs into a blur in my vision. I flick out of his text screen to skim Silver's, my thumbs itching to type something, anything, just to have him here with me. But instead, I close the messages and click on Instagram and read through my messages with Alec. Sure, he's sitting in the front seat, but it doesn't distract my mind the way I need right now. I kind of wish that I would have sat in the front, too, but that's never really been an option and I'm not sure what June or Simon would have thought. June is already suspicious of us hooking up and if I sat up there, that would no doubt potentially confirm that to not just her, but to Simon, too. And according to June, Simon isn't allowed to know we're into each other.
Simon sure is a great guy, but damn is he a cock block.
I scroll through until my app no longer wants to pull up older messages and shut the screen off and close my eyes. I lean my head back and wonder how long my mind will be safe before Ricardo creeps his way back in.
A millisecond.
But instead of letting the thought completely consume me, I recall the memory of Miller and how he reacted when he walked into the unit to find me covered in someone else’s blood. He was so calm and collected and knew exactly what to do.
Miller held me and made me feel safe, and although he had to leave, he put me in the hands of someone who continued to maintain that safety. A small part of me misses him, too.
My phone buzzes, and I pause before flipping it over to see who it is. Maybe it's my date. Maybe it's Silver. But maybe it's Ricardo, and that alone is why I don't check immediately.
Only, the uncertainty eats at me too much to keep whatever it is in limbo for too long.
And boy am I surprised that I was wrong about every single possibility.
An unfamiliar number:Hey, it's Miller.
I read and re-read the text ten times as my heart races. Glancing up at the rest of the car, I consider if this is some sick and evil trick or if it really is him.
I guess there's only one way to find out.
Me: Hey, what's up?
Miller: I'm sorry I left like that the other day. Can we get together when I get back in town?
If this is a trap, boy am I falling straight for it.
Me: Yeah, for sure. And no problem, I understand.
Maybe he's back to business and wants to go over the designs we didn't get a chance to discuss when he walked in on me and a dead body. That must be why he wants to get together. What other reason could there be? Unless he wants to get our stories straight about what happened that day...or ask for payment for his help in covering things up.
Miller: I'll let you know when I'm back. Shouldn't be any later than Wednesday. This is taking longer than I thought.
I want to ask him what he's talking about, what he's doing, where he is, and why he wants to meet, but I don't do any of those things. Instead, I just let my mind wander and fill in the blanks.
Me: No rush. I'll be here when you're ready.
I regret the text as soon as I send it. It comes across as desperate and too available, but isn't that what I'm supposed to be—available? This is a job. I'm his interior designer. I'm supposed to be flexible and accommodating to his schedule. Especially since he's one of our high-profile clients...at least that's what I think since I haven't been told anything otherwise regarding the transition in ownership of The Wellerton. I keep waiting for an update from my superiors, but one hasn't come, so I do what I do best and overthink until the answers finally come to me.
Miller: Thanks, Cora. Talk soon x
I stare at my phone and wonder if I've conjured up thexat the end of his message. It burns into my memory and completely distracts me from the blaring horns and the traffic buzzing us by as Alec pulls us off the main road and near the curb.
"You're shitting me." Simon rises from his spot and looks from outside to June. "Is this what I think it is?"
June grins at him. "What do you think it is?"
"Are we going to the game?"
June nods and Simon wastes no time yanking her into his arms and smothering her with affection.
"This is the best surprise in the whole world. I can't believe it." Simon continues kissing her face. "You're the best, love, seriously."
