“I know.” Angelica sighed heavily and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m not…”
Hope waited. Because she needed some answers, and now that Logan had plopped the possibility of getting some into her lap, she was going to take the opportunity.
“I’m not ready to have this conversation.” Angelica lifted her chin and made eye contact. “And I’m not sure you are either.”
“I’m not?” Hope stared at her confused. “What gives you the right to decide whether I’m ready for a conversation or not? Don’t you think that’s for me to decide?”
“Yes. It is. I just…” Angelica clenched her jaw, the muscles bulging in her cheeks. “This is hard for me, Hope. I have a history and we have to untangle our history still, and there’s a lot to discuss. It’s not as simple as going to the nearest news outlet and telling them that we’re dating.”
“I don’t see how there’s a lot to discuss. You love me, right? And I love you. So what else is there to talk about?”
Angelica sighed heavily, her lips pursed and her entire body tense. Hope knew that look. She’d seen it a million times before. Angelica was frustrated, and she was scared. She wasn’t going to say anything, not today.
“You know what? I’m late for filming.” Hope snagged her bag that she’d put on the floor when she came in here. Standing up,she squared her shoulders and stared down at Angelica. “Let me know when you’re ready to talk—preferably before we fly out to New York. Hmm?” Hope made sure to make eye contact before she nodded firmly and walked out.
She hated leaving like that, but if she stayed in that room any longer, then it was going to turn into a screaming match. At least, that’s whatherhistory told her. She still had no clue what the hell Angelica had been referencing.
But damn it, why couldn’t things just be easy between them?
Hope reached her car before she saw the text.
Angelica
Angelica: I’ll come to your place tonight after work. We can talk then.
Well at least Hope wouldn’t have to wait too long for an answer. Just a few more hours.
Chapter
Four
“I won’t be long,”Angelica told Lyric as she stopped in front of Hope’s house.
“You’re not staying the night?” Lyric furrowed her brow as she looked over at Angelica.
“No. Not tonight.” Angelica drew in a deep breath. After the almost-argument earlier, she knew that Hope wouldn’t want her spending the night. Or perhaps it was that she wouldn’t want to. Hope hadn’t been wrong, they did need to talk some things over. Angelica just hadn’t wanted to do it. “Give me three hours and I’ll be done.”
“Sure. I think Cadence wanted to work on the first short that she wants to film for promo when we get to New York anyway.”
Angelica paused, looking Lyric over. “You’re not…”
“No.” Lyric laughed lightly. “Trust me when I say I’m not Cadence’s type at all. I doubt she’d ever look in my direction.”
“All right.” Angelica nodded at her. “I’ll text you if you need to come before three hours.”
“Sure thing, boss.” Lyric gave her a gentle smile. “Be safe, Ms. Shields.”
Angelica paused at that one, not entirely sure why Lyric would be sending her on her way with that sentiment, but she didn’t comment on it. As she reached for the doorbell, Angelica held her breath. She still wasn’t even sure how to start this conversation, but she knew she couldn’t hold off any longer. Hope deserved some sort of answer.
Hope opened the door, that same scowl on her lips that had been there when she’d left the conference room. Angelica held her breath and stayed right where she was.
“I’m sorry about earlier.”
Again, Hope remained silent.
“I was taken off guard as much as you were by Logan’s turn in conversation.”
“Doubtful.” Hope pushed open the door to let Angelica in and then waved to Lyric as she pulled away. “Did you set a time you’re leaving?”
