A canceledappointment has its positives and negatives. I come out of it with extra time to myself. Sometimes I’ll spend that working on paperwork, or I’ll hit the gym. I’ve been known to wrangle my mom into meeting me for a coffee.
The downside to a client bailing is worry.
Unless I speak to them directly, there’s always the chance that they’re having a bad day and can’t bring themselves to leave the house or to face their feelings.
Rhys canceled on me when I was at lunch.
His appointment was booked for four p.m., but he called into the office and spoke to Audrey shortly after noon.
He didn’t rebook or leave a message.
That’s the reason why I sent him a text twenty minutes ago to check in on him.
I’m on my way home for the day, but I’m taking the scenic route, which to me, is a stroll past Grace Church. The architecture of the building is as impressive as its rich history.
My phone chimes, so I dig it out of my pocket just as I’m about to cross the street.
I read the text.
Rhys: Hey! My dad wanted to hang out this afternoon.
That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.
Rhys’s dad has been emotionally spent since his wife died. He hasn’t been there for his son or himself.
Liam: Good to hear.
He responds almost immediately.
Rhys: Give him another week or 2 and I think he’ll be up to meeting you on the court.
I want to do right by Deidre. It was important to her that Gareth work through his pain. This will hopefully help him on that path.
Liam: You name the time and place.
Rhys: I’ll let you know about that but can you fit me in tomorrow? I need to talk something over with you.
I pop open the calendar app on my phone and scroll through my schedule for tomorrow. It’s synced with the office, so whenever Audrey changes anything, I’m up to speed.
Liam: Do you have time at 3 tomorrow?
I cross the street and navigate my way around the late afternoon rush of people cramming the sidewalks.
I glance down when my phone chimes.
Rhys: I’ll be there. Can we talk about a girl? My girl?
My girl.
I read the two words over and over again before I shoot him back a quick response.
Liam: You bet. See you tomorrow at 3.
I stop in place and stare up at Grace Church. I don’t need to ask the heavens above what I should do.
I turn and head back in the direction I just came. I want Athena, and if I have to go through the guy in the suit to get her, I will.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
