But here I am.
I huff out a breath and pull my laptop onto my lap, determined to distract myself with actual work. It’s easier than thinking about Brooks.
Or Dad.
The nurses told me to talk to him while he was briefly awake earlier. I kept the conversation light and upbeat. I told him about Jasper’s project last night, about how brilliant and talented his only son is.
But the moment the words left my mouth, I watched something in his face fall.
His gaze drifted around the room, searching for Jasper.
And he didn’t find him.
A tight knot forms in my chest as I stare at the blank screen of my laptop, my fingers unmoving on the keys.
For once, I don’t know what to say.
I open an email from Big Belle.
Hey there, fellow social media queen!
I read through the short message. She wants to know if Edna passed along the contract. She also mentions that she saw my post about being back home and wants to make sure I’m okay.
If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. Much love, Belle.
I stare at the words, my cursor blinking over the reply button.
Neither Sierra nor Lyla reached out to me. They didn’t even ask why I missed the brand trip.
They just… ghosted me.
But Belle? Belle didn’t.
I don’twantto respond to her, but I know I need to. I need to do something productive. I need to stop thinking abouthim.
Brooks.
He had a crush on me? That shouldn’t be messing with my head, but somehow, it is.I should have noticed, right? It’s not like he wasn’t around. He used to yank my ponytail in grade school, and I definitely remember the way he always managed to snag the seat next to me on the bus, especially on the days we didn’t ride our bikes to school.
He wasalwaysthere. Close enough to notice, but never close enough to be right in front of me.
Because he’s always been Jasper’s best friend.
And that’s exactly where he needs to stay.
I need a distraction.
Exhaling, I decide to type out my response to Big Belle.
Looking it over this afternoon! Let’s set up a Zoom call to get the ball rolling. —Elowen
Short. Direct. No fluff.
Belle isn’t Sierra or Lyla. She’s not looking for dirt or shade to throw at me. She’s worse than that. She actually cares.And in this business, caring too much about people never ends well.
My stomach grumbles, loud enough to echo in the quiet hospital room. I groan, pressing a hand against my stomach.
I forgot to eat breakfast.
