Page 192 of The Sweetest Return

“Hey.”

“You sound like you're about to hurt somebody.”

“I’m at work.”

“So yes.”

Despite everything, I smiled. “How was your day?”

“Motor group meeting, restaurant problem, Pops texting me about mulch like I’m mayor of landscaping, and Marcus reminding me that turning down Apex did not magically make my calendar easier.”

“That sounds productive.”

“What’s wrong?”

I looked at the flights again. “How did you hear something was wrong?”

“Mani.”

Of course.

“Laila Hart.”

“She do something to you personally?”

“No.” A tired laugh slipped out. “Her team moved everything up. I need two Saint Aurelia pieces in Malibu by tomorrow afternoon, except one is still at the New York atelier and can only be released to me or approved security.”

“What time do you need to be in L.A.?”

“Three-thirty Pacific at the latest. Preferably earlier.”

“Where?”

“Solara House. Malibu.”

“What airport makes the most sense?”

“Dre, I am currently comparing commercial flights like a woman with airline miles and faith. Airport strategy is not where I am emotionally.”

“I can fix that part.”

My fingers stopped moving.

“Andre.”

“What?”

“I am not asking you for that.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you using that voice?”

“Because you told me the problem.”

“That does not mean you have to solve it.”

“I’m not solving your work problem. You already solved that.”