A pause. “Why would you need to know about schools in Miami?”
“Just curious. You know, for future reference.”
“Lizzie.” That tone. He sounded so much like her mom when she knew something was up.
“What?”
“You’re being evasive. That’s my move.” Jasper’s voice turned serious. “Are you thinking about transferring?”
“Maybe. I don’t know yet. Just exploring options.”
“Does this have anything to do with Sarah?”
Her blood froze. She hadn’t told him about Sarah. The only people who knew were Chrisla, who’d never tell a soul, Maya, whom she trusted with her life and …
“Mom told you. I asked her not to tell anyone.”
“I’m not anyone. I am her ex-husband. That doesn’t count.”
“I’m pretty sure spousal privilege end with divorce,” she pointed out.
“Here you are with the details again. And the deflection. So. Schools in Miami. Anything to do with Sarah? Yes? No.”
“Maybe.”
Jasper laughed. “My favorite evasive answer.”
“Please don’t tell anyone about Sarah.”
“I won’t. Don’t worry. I like her. She’s the one who gave me my most lucrative contract, after all. A long as she treats you right. If she messes with you the gloves are off. Mom and I are on the first flight down.”
“Good. Thanks.” Lizzie took a breath. “Have you talked to Mom lately?”
“Yesterday. Outside of worrying about you, she’s fine.” Jasper’s voice softened. “She was talking about coming down for a visit.”
“With Jack and Harry?” Usually, Lizzie and her brothers visited Jasper alone.
“Maybe.”
“Jasper.”
“What?”
“You’re being evasive now. Is mom planning to come visit you alone? Are you … are you two getting back together?”
She heard him switch the phone from one side to the other. Then liquid poured into a glass and he took a gulp. “Look. Your mom is... she’s always been special to me. Even after the divorce. Last time I was up there, we talked and it just felt…right.”
“I see.” Lizzie twirled her keychain around her finger. “I think you should go for it. You were good together. You made her happy. You made all of us happy.”
“That means a lot, Lizzie. Really.”
“I just want you both to be happy. You deserve that.”
“So do you, kid. Which is why I’m going to ask again. What’s really going on with this school talk?”
She shouldn’t have asked him. Why had she? He wasn’t going to let this go because Jasper could be like a dog with abone. The best thing she could do was cut him off. “I have to go. The spring breakers are going to be here any minute.”
“Lizzie—”
