“How was practice today?”
I scoot back on the bed and lean against the headboard. Internally debating whether or not I should tell her for a split second.
I’ll tell her later.
“It was better today.”
“Good, I’m glad.”
We’re quiet for a moment.
“Camp feels really long this year,” I admit.
“It feels long for me too.”
“I really hate not being there with you two.”
“Me too. But we’re okay, right?”
A few days ago, I was the one asking this question.
“Yeah, we’re okay.”
Now, I feel it, believe it.
“I love you, Alie,” I tell her.
“I love you too.”
After I say goodbye to Sera, we hang up, and this time, I don’t feel like I’m crawling out of my skin.
I feel more focused than I have the whole time we’ve been here.
Aaron tried fucking with the wrong man. But what he didn’t count on was that pressure makes diamonds too. And I’m not breaking.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-FOUR
Liam
The second the plane lands, I hop in the new car that I had delivered to the airport so it would be here when I landed. I don’t stop for food or even go check my apartment. I go straight to the complex to see my girls.
Four weeks of FaceTime, controlled breathing, and trusting that what we’re building won’t crack under distance or pressure has nearly made me lose my mind. And I need to see them like I need air.
I walk into the facility, twirling my keys around my finger.
A few staff members nod and say hello.
“Welcome back, Mr. Pitz. You ready for Sunday?” someone calls out.
“Always,” I answer automatically with a smile.
But my focus is on one thing. Alie’s office.
Instead of waiting for the elevator, I take the stairs two at a time. My pulse is already racing by the time I reach her office. I can hear her from the hallway, and also a male’s voice.
And then I freeze. Waiting just outside her door.
