“Eli’s shut down,” I say. “His mom is in the hospital and, for whatever reason, he’s locked me out. I don’t know how to reach him—or if trying would make it worse.”
She pauses, choosing her words. “You want advice, or do you want permission to trust your instincts?”
“Advice,” I say. “Please.”
“This isn’t something you fix,” she says. “And it’s not something you push through. He needs space to process what just happened. Not distance forever, just room. Let him come to you on his own terms.”
I lean against the counter, absorbing that.
“Stay available,” she adds. “But don’t force your way in. Right now, the strongest thing you can do is give him time.”
I close my eyes.
“Fine. I can do that,” I say. “But can I just say, his former partner is here? She's pregnant by his brother, and even though she looks a whole mess right now, I want to punch her in the face for causing my Bear so much stress.”
“Bear?” Timantha laughs. “You gave him a nickname? That’s adorable.”
“Don’t,” I warn. I know where this is going.
“What’s his nickname for you?” she presses.
“No, Tim. This is serious,” I say. “Ilikehim.”
And I don’t want to hear her laugh at me when I tell her. She knows how much I detest being called anything little.
Her voice shifts immediately, losing the teasing edge. “Then be there for him in whatever way he allows. Or…”
She pauses.
“Or what?” I ask, stepping aside as an elderly couple shuffles past, fingers laced together.
“Or,” she says carefully, “you do what you promised. What youbothpromised. Maybe this sudden shift in him is for the best. So you can let it end the way you planned and walk away.”
I sigh. “I was afraid you were going to say that. And I know that’s probably the most logical answer.”
Because Eli isn’t letting this go past the week. And letting himself need me now would mean shattering the agreement we made, leaving him completely open and vulnerable. It would be too heavy for something so temporary.
“Also,” she adds, “Reese has been trying to reach you. He’s not happy with Lexy right now.” Timantha laughs. “I think his feelings are hurt you didn’t leave him in charge. He says she’s getting in the way.”
I shake my head. “I’ll call him later. Now isn’t the time.”
“Okay,” she says gently. “Go be where you’re needed.”
I hang up and take a deep breath before heading back to the waiting room.
When I get back to the waiting area, Lara and Drake are already there and relief is the first thing I feel.
Then my phone buzzes again.
Now I feel panicked.
An alert.
Security flag.
My stomach drops.
I reach for my bag—and freeze.
