As Mattie reviewed the rest of his day, Julian nodded at all the right moments, but he wasn’t thinking about the day ahead or the bombshell-level client or the unsavory possibility of his parents getting back together.All he could think about was Isla and how sweet she’d been the night before as he’d gone on and on about the history of the house and the music.Even though she’d had no idea what he was talking about, she’d listened attentively and had seemed to enjoy their time together as much as he had.
Her gorgeous face kept popping into his mind, which had him rattled in a way he rarely was when it came to women.He never allowed himself to get hooked on one, but for some reason, he found himself looking forward to seeing her again.
After Mattie left him alone to get to work, he texted Jackson, asking him to file for a restraining order against Stacey.He included her social media accounts as backup for the request.Julian chose not to look at them himself, because what did he care about whatever she was saying?It didn’t matter to him, but he’d take the necessary steps to shut her down.
Oh shit,Jackson replied.I’ll get right on it.
Thanks.
With a long day of work ahead of him, his parents’ potential reconciliation weighing on him and annoyance at Stacey’s nonsense, the last thing he should’ve been thinking about was Isla Santana, how their first night in the rental had gone and how long it might be until he could see her again.
Isla had fallenasleep listening to one of the playlists Julian had sent her.She was in love with Mama Cass Elliot singing “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” and Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” among many other beautiful songs that’d helped her understand more of the LA music history Julian had told her about.The era had a definitive sound that she’d immediately connected with.She could see why he loved it so much and couldn’t wait for the chance to tell him that.
When she opened her eyes and saw it was after eight a.m., her first thought was for the kids, who were sleeping in for the first time ever.And then she realized her phone was vibrating on the table next to the bed with a call from Mrs.Ventura.
“Hi there.”
“Isla, Gabriel is next door raising a ruckus, screaming your name and the kids’ names.I don’t know what to do.”
She sat up and pushed her hair back from her face.
“Stay in your apartment and call the police.”
“Are you sure?He needs help.There’s got to be something else we can do.”
“There isn’t.He’s refused all offers of help for years now.
“Okay.I’ll make the call.Do you want me to keep you posted?”
She thought about that for a second.“No, thank you.It doesn’t involve me anymore, but I’ll always want to hear from you about other things.”
“Okay, honey.Remember that I’m happy to sit with the kids any time you need me.”
“I so appreciate that.”
“They’re such sweet kids.I’m happy to do it.”
“I’ll text you soon.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
“Please stay safe.Don’t confront him or anything like that.”
“I won’t.Don’t worry.”
After they said their goodbyes, Isla ended the call and sat perfectly still for a long time, thinking about Gabriel and what would happen to him and then reminding herself that he was no longer her concern.He couldn’t be.She had to focus on putting her own life—and her children’s lives—back together, separate from him.
She sent a text to Julian.My neighbor called to say Gabriel is at the apartment screaming for me and the kids.I encouraged her to call the police, since there’s really nothing else that can be done unless he chooses to get help.
He wrote back when she was in the bathroom brushing her hair.Sorry to hear.I’m glad that you and the kids weren’t there when he returned.Can I do anything for you?
So many things,she thought with a small smile, even as she was filled with sadness for Gabriel, for the family she’d once hoped to build with him and for the fact that such a nice, sweet, sexy man like Julian had crossed her path at the worst-possible time.
I’m okay,she replied.Will work on the documents today and get them back to you ASAP.
Let me know when you’re done, and I’ll pick them up on the way home.
She replied with a thumbs-up, encouraged to know she’d get to see him again soon.That was good motivation to get the voluminous pile of documents completed soon.
