There’s only one thing that I can do right now, and that’s get to work on fixing my omega’s book. If only broken hearts were as easy to mend as books.
FIFTEEN
Jagger
“Thank you for being so accommodating,” I say as Calder leads us throughThe Valley Voiceoffice.
After reaching out a few days ago, we arranged a time to meet early. Six in the morning seemed ridiculous, but he felt that it was best for discretion.
“Not a problem,” Calder says smoothly. Although he’s been professional and shook my hand, his smile doesn’t meet his eyes, giving me the impression that his girlfriend has made him well aware of my history. “I know you don’t give many interviews, so I have to admit that I was surprised to hear from you.”
I glance around at the desks, covered in papers and photographs. “I want to support the college paper.”
“You have a loose radiator valve,” Nash comments.
“Sorry?” Calder frowns in confusion at my packmate.
He points. “The valve. It’s broken.” His tone is matter-of-fact as he kneels to examine it. “If you don’t get it fixed, you’re gonna have a flood on your hands.”
“Thanks, I’ll call a plumber,” Calder replies. “They should be able to come on Monday.”
“No need.” Nash flicks his wrist. “I always keep tools in the car.”
Nash doesn’t wait for confirmation before he trudges out of the office.
“Nash likes fixing things,” I explain. “If he notices something’s broken, he’ll lose his mind over it. And he’s seriously hangry at the moment, so I’d let him deal with it if I were you.”
“Right.” He regards me suspiciously. “Are you usually on such good terms with your bodyguards?”
“Uh…” I pretend to take interest in a snow globe with a little fox on the inside. “Is that the SVU Foxes mascot?”
SVU’s hockey team is legendary.
“Yep.” Calder pulls out an office chair. “Take a seat. We won’t be disturbed. None of the reporters know you’re here, and no one ever comes in before 9am.” He sits opposite me then picks up his phone. “I hope you don’t mind if I record our conversation. I want to make sure I capture everything. It’s obviously strictly confidential, and I’ll send you the finished article before publication for your approval.”
“Sure.” My eyes stray to the tidiest desk that has a plaque reading, “Kady Sinclair.”
“Ready to start?” Calder asks.
I nod. I figure it’s best to get this interview done before asking any questions about Delilah.
“Everyone on campus wants to know more about why you’ve decided to come to college,” Calder starts. “Why SVU, and why now?”
“I never got to have the typical college experience yet always wanted to,” I reply. “So after my last tour, I thought it’d be a good time to give it a shot.”
Calder’s shrewd eyes narrow. “And is there a reason you picked Scent Valley University, in particular?”
“It has a great music department.”
“How are you settling in so far?” Calder leans back in his chair. “It can’t be easy, having created such a stir and attracting so much attention around campus.”
“I always like meeting my fans.” I’ve given interviews like this a thousand times before, so I know exactly what Valerie would want me to say. Being honest is definitely not part of it. “But really, I’d like it if everyone just treated me like any other student.”
We’re interrupted by Nash stomping in, tools in hand. He struts directly over to the radiator and gets to work, filling the silence with metallic clangs as he lays out his materials.
“You really don’t have to do that,” Calder tells him. “I can call in a professional.”
Nash merely grunts, ignoring him and picking up a wrench.
