Believe me, Iknow. The broken heart pieces rattling around my chest like heavy ceramic are a constant reminder.
“Luis? Hi, what’s going on?” I answer the phone with shaky fingers and my breath stalled in my lungs.
“Miss Joly.” He sounds the same as always, cool and polite, except—maybe a little frazzled?
I shouldn’t be surprised, considering the crisis.
“How are you?” he asks, which is too kind, considering he can guess.
“I’m—” A lie dies on my lips. No point trying to deceive him. “I’m still hanging in there.”
“That bad, huh?” There’s a softness in his voice now.
Empathy I don’t deserve.
“I mean, it’s notgood. But you knew that.” My laugh sounds feeble. “I’m sure you’re about to tell me it can always be worse.” I cringe at my own phrasing. “But how—how is he?”
“Why don’t you come and see?” He doesn’t wait for my answer. “I’ve sent Corbin to the airport to pick you up. He should be waiting now.”
I blink in surprise. That was fast.
“I’m here, standing on the curb.”
“Yes, I know. He’ll take you to Brady’s, if you’ll graciously accept.”
My blood freezes over.
“Um, okay,” I say slowly. My heart hammers in my chest. “What for? Is everything okay?”
“Brady’s been working on the situation,” Luis assures me with what sounds like a huge understatement.
“I’m sure he has,” I say slowly.
“He’d be grateful for your presence tonight, if you can make it. It’s very important.”
Oh boy.
I’m sure whatever he’s got planned will be super fun. Not at all like being dragged over a frying pan.
“Corbin’s waiting. Black Escalade,” Luis says gently. “Can you wave to him when you’re ready? No hurry, take all the time you need.”
I swallow thickly, trying to suppress the fear gurgling up from the pit of my stomach.
But I wanted a conversation, didn’t I? And now Brady wants to make that happen with zero inconvenience besides my own mangled heart.
Whatever.
Deep breath.
“All right,” I say as I finally look at the black SUV in the lot and hold up my hand. “Anything you need. Anything Brady needs. I’m ready.”
“Thanks, Lena. We appreciate you.” Luis blows out a long breath that doesn’t make me feel any better about the situation. Almost like he’s relieved.
Also,we?
He can’t just say Brady?
That knot in my belly hardens into rock.
