"Not when they've asked for privacy," Lexie said. "There's a fine line."
"Okay," Grayson said. "If you're all comfortable with his secrets, then I'll go along."
"I hope your dad will be alright, Kaia," Em said.
"Me, too. We'll know more tomorrow. I'll give you an update after I talk to Ben."
"You better," Lexie said. "And if you need anything, let us know."
"I will." As she left the table, she started toward her door, then veered down the corridor and knocked on Jax's door. Her friends could probably see her from where they were sitting, but she didn't really care.
He opened the door a moment later. "Kaia, I think we should call it a night."
"I want to hear Reina's song."
Conflict ran through his gaze, then finally, he said, "Okay, but after that, we say goodnight."
"Sure." As she stepped into his apartment, she could see the lines of tension in his face. "Are you angry about what Grayson said, or because a photographer showed up here?"
He ran a hand through his hair, his gaze filled with shadowy emotions she couldn't quite understand.
"I know you're not mad at me," she added. "Because I've been delightful."
Her teasing words brought a reluctant smile to his lips. "You have been delightful."
"When I wasn't stressed out about my dad, something you helped me get over. So maybe I can return the favor."
"My life is getting more complicated by the minute. You don't want to be in the middle of it."
"I told you before, that's my decision. You're not persuading me to do anything. I'm here because I want to be here. I'm sorry that the photographer found this building."
"He'll be back."
"Probably," she agreed. "But I hope you're not going to pack your bag and take off tonight, because tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and there's going to be a barbecue, a bonfire on the beach, fireworks. It would be fun to do that with you."
"You are a difficult woman to say no to."
"Then don’t say no. Now, can I hear the song?" She set down her bag and curled up on the couch while he turned on the record player.
As the song began, he sat down next to her, and she slid closer to him as Reina's amazing voice filled the room. She sang about letting go of sadness, grabbing on to hope, themes that resonated within her, and also made her think about Reina's love affair with Walter. She hadn't heard from Ella since their visit and was beginning to wonder if she ever would. But it seemed difficult to believe that a woman who could sing so passionately about love wouldn't want to reconnect with the man she'd written a special love song for.
When the record ended, Jax got up to shut it off.
"I can see why Walter fell in love with her voice," she said. "It grabs you, and it doesn't let go."
"Do you want to hear Anita's record now?"
"No. I think I'll stick with Reina."
He sat down next to her on the couch and picked up her hand. "Still hoping Reina will want to talk to Walter?"
"Yes. Ella said she'd let us know either way, so I hope she keeps that promise." She'd no sooner finished speaking when her phone buzzed.
Jax let go of her hand as she reached for her bag on the coffee table and pulled out her phone. She was afraid it might be Ben texting with bad news, but the number was Ella's. "It's her," she said in surprise. "It's Ella."
"That's crazy timing. What did she say?"
She read the text aloud: My aunt says she would like to meet Walter if he wants to meet her. She's free on Tuesday the fifth. I'll coordinate a time and place if you let me know when Walter is available.
