Bear’s head snaps up. “I was only kidding in the group chat. I didn’t think she'd actually ended it.”
My jaw tightens. I brace myself for more ridicule from the lads. But they don’t say a word.
Flint’s gaze cuts to me, brow furrowing. “What do you mean, she dumped you? What did you do?”
“Nothing. She just ended it on Friday. Never even gave me an explanation. She fucking ghosted me.” I snap my lips shut before I let my temper get the better of me in front of the chief.
Everyone’s eyes are on me, but they don’t appear to be judging.
Flint’s expression darkens. He doesn’t say anything, but the weight of his stare is enough. “Something’s wrong. I’m going to find out what.”
I grab my coat, ignoring the lads’ stares, and stalk towards the exit after Flint. If Ember won’t answer my calls, she’ll damn well answer me in person.
“Where you going?” Flint says.
“With you. If you’re getting answers, I want to be there.”
“Coleman. Let me talk to my sister. I’ll find out what’s going on with her. Besides, you have the fire inspection to do at the lighthouse.”
Phoenix pats me on the back. “Chief’s order, mate. Let him talk to her.”
Bear chuckles, but his eyes are kind. “He’s right. Go do your job. If she wants you, she’ll answer Flint. If she doesn’t, then we come up with a plan.”
Hollywood says, “I have a few backup plans in my contacts.”
Part of me wants to follow, to shove past Flint into Ember’s hallway and demand answers. But Flint’s tone isn’t like a boss, it’s the tone of a brother, and maybe that’s what she needs right now.
Chapter Twenty-Three
EMBER
Ilift the remote and switch the channel. There’s only so many episodes ofSay Yes to the DressI can stomach right now.
Cupid jumps up on my lap with a meow, knocking off the pile of tissues I was collecting there.
I stroke over his mottled fur, though no amount of stroking my pets this weekend has been able to soothe me. I can’t stop crying, and I just couldn’t face work today. Couldn’t facehim.
Cupid tilts his head and paws at my stomach.
Cersei sits in the chair opposite with a judgmental glare.
“Don’t judge me Cersei, you slept with your brother.” I settle on watchingHouse Hunters, needing something that won’t remind me of my nonexistent love life, pull the blanket over my lap and open the discarded box of chocolates on the armrest only to find the strawberry onesleft that I absolutely hate, but I need chocolate right now, so this will have to do.
My phone buzzes. It’s been buzzing all weekend, but I can’t look at his messages or I’ll start sobbing again. Daytime TV and tears don’t mix. I reach for the remote—until I see it’s the group chat.
Nikki McTrouble: You ok, Em? Haven’t heard from you all weekend.
Raine McNosy: She’s probably off having a dirty weekend with the DILF.
Nikita McBossy: Let us know how that’s going for you. Did he blow the cobwebs off with his hose?
…
Raine McNosy: Oh, she’s typing.
Nikita McBossy: Brace yourself girls… It’s about to get hot in here.
There was no hose. No cobwebs. Just heartbreak.
