I just tried calling Jordan. She didn’t answer.
My head’s filled with a bunch of shit I don’t really know what to do with. Normally, I’d go to the club or a bar and find someone to take my mind off things. That always works.
Always.
Now? There’s too much going on to even think about it. Something about it feels wrong anyway, looking to get laid while I’m trying to figure out how to get custody of Cole.
Christ. That’s new. When did the morality police suddenly show up?
I’ll have to sit with that one.
I bring the bottle back to my lips, condensation building on the cold glass.
My phone rings.
Jordan.
I pick up way too fast, like a guy with nothing better to do than wait for his ex-girlfriend to call him back. “Hey.”
“Hi. Sorry I missed you earlier. What’s going on? Any news yet?”
“Nah, nothing yet. But it’s only been a day.” I sigh. “I don’t expect to hear from anyone until Monday now that it’s the weekend. Still sucks. Was hoping for something today.”
“Damn. I’m sorry.” Her voice softens. “I’ve been a nervous wreck all day. I can’t imagine how you feel.”
I let out a low, disbelieving chuckle. “Yeah. I’m going crazy just sitting here.”
“Sitting where?”
“My couch.”
“Whoa. Look at you. Matthew Grayson sitting at home on a Friday night? Has hell frozen over?” I hear the smile in her voice. Then she adds, “Where’s your nightcap? And by nightcap, I mean your Friday-night hookup.”
“I know what you mean.” I shrug even though she can’t see me. “Don’t know. Didn’t feel like it.”
“What?” She laughs. Who are you?”
“Christ. Don’t start. I’m not always looking to hook up on a Friday night.”
“It’s this one right here,” she says—not to me. “Thank you. Have a good night.”
Muffled sounds. A door shuts. Street noise.Cab ride.
“Speaking of nightcaps…” I say casually. “Where are you coming home from? Isn’t it past your bedtime?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
That voice. She only uses it like ammo—and it works. Every goddamn time.
“I do. That’s why I asked.”
“I had a date. You know, with the nephew of my mamá’s friend.”
“Oh. Right.” My pulse climbs—just a notch, but enough to notice. “Didn’t go well? It’s only nine-fifty…”
“Itwasgoing well. I really liked him, but… I don’t know. My head just wasn’t in it, you know? I kept thinking about Cole… and you, and what’s going to happen to him. And then you called…” She trails off.
My chest cinches tight, warmth rushing through my blood. “You ended the date to call me?” My pulse climbs another notch.
