“Our moms talk on the phone,” I guessed. “Mine calls yours.”
And then,I suspected,Mrs.Adler talks to Everett.
“Isa,” he said gently, “with the number of ‘business trips’ your dad takes, and all the late nights in his study, he’s either having an affair or sworn to secrecy in the CIA. Which one do you think is more realistic?”
My heart twisted so tightly that I felt like my body wasbeing crippled from within. A hard lump formed in my throat. “He’s not in the CIA.”
“No.” Ev shook his head. “I really doubt it.”
I nodded, teary and not quite knowing what to say next. If James were here, he would have Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn tabs open on his laptop, Instagram and X-but-still-basically-Twitter on his phone, and be asking me if my father had a company directory on hand, trying to identify this other woman.I bet it’s someone long distance,he’d say.Probably Chicago, since whenever he’s not home or in DC, Chicago’s where he mostly travels for work….
James would have a name, headshot, occupation, and list of favorite hobbies by dinnertime.
I felt a sharp chord suddenly being strummed across myribs.
I had never missed James Barbour more.
“Do you think Mamá knows?” I asked once we were outside waiting for Grace. Everett stood still with his hands in his pockets, but I anxiously paced the sidewalk.
Ev shook his head. “I don’t think so,” he said. “But based on what she’s told my mom, my mom suspects an affair.” He released a deep breath. “Please don’t be upset with her for telling me, Isa. She has her therapist, but ever since my dad…” He trailed off and we made eye contact. His were glassy. “She has no one else to reallytalkto,” he said. “She lost the person she shared everything with for two decades. I understand if you hate me for knowing, but please, don’t hate her for tellingme.”
“I would never,” I whispered.
In response, Everett shucked off James’s blazer and wordlessly offered it to me. I stopped pacing and pulled it on. Then Everett stepped closer and wrapped me in a hug—a true, heartfelt hug. “Until next time, kind sir!” we heard an overdramatic voice call to the security guard as she exited the building.
Grace.
I could hear her feet pounding the concrete; she was running.
“G!” I shouted but didn’t make any move to escape Everett’s embrace. He was warm, familiar—and safe. Grace threw herself against us, one arm around Everett and one arm around me. “Is everything okay?” I asked. “What took you so long?”
“And why do you smell like lilacs?” Everett wondered.
“Adrien was slow with the check,” she answered. “And then I had to use the facilities. The bathroom is basically a Sephora, Isa!”
I knew she was trying to make me laugh, but I couldn’t; instead, I burst into tears. “I’m sorry,” I sobbed. “I’m sorry we didn’t get to have lunch.”
“Isa, no.” Grace dismantled our three-person hug. “Don’t apologize.” She had a blazing look on her face, one I’d never seen before; she was furious. “Blame your father.” She gulped. “And blameme,for being an absolute glacier on the uptake.” Her expression hardened again. “I am a moron. How long hasthis—”
Someone’s stomach rumbled.
Reallyrumbled.
Everett held his hands up and blushed. “I’m starving,” he admitted. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
Breakfast—that had been hours and hours ago now.
“Tut-tut, young man,” Grace said, and touched his pink cheek. “We’ll get you some food ASAP, I promise.” She turned back to me. “Isa—”
“Later,” I told her. Now wasn’t the place, now wasn’t the time. “I want to get out of here.” I took her hand and squeezedit.
Grace nodded, and within the next minute, we’d secured another Uber. Thankfully our driver wasn’t wearing any Philly sports apparel.
But he did give us a look after Everett confirmed the destination. “Pat’s?” he said, then shook his head. “No, no. You should be going toGeno’s.”
Chapter 21
James
