Page 148 of The Plus One Pact

My parents.

A few coworkers.

Cynthia.

Nothing from Rome.

I shake my head.

Meredith squeezes my hand. "I'm sorry, babe." She gives me a minute to take it in. "But that doesn't mean he hates you. It can mean a million things. You should talk to him."

"To his brother's fiancée," I say.

"It's a start," she says. "Are you sure you're a therapist?"

"We're the worst clients. Everyone knows that." I check my message from Cynthia.

Cynthia: Hey, I saw the article in the Register, and I noticed you ran off. Are you okay? Do you need to talk?

Ivy: I'm okay, thanks. Just a little overwhelmed.

She replies a minute later.

Cynthia: Thank goodness, I was getting worried. Danny said it's probably nothing. It's not like you're going to drive off the pier. But you never know.

Ivy: I went to see my friend. In New York.

Cynthia: Ah. How's that?

Ivy: Traffic full. How's Rome?

Cynthia: A little shell-shocked, I think. Danny put things together pretty fast, but he was really cool about it. Impressed actually.

Ivy: Impressed?

Cynthia: Yeah, he said Rome's numbers are fantastic, especially for a new business. Rome has natural talent. Beyond his natural talents. Honestly, I'm not sure I've ever seen him talking about Rome this way, like they're equals, like he's excited to start the business. I think, Danny finding out Rome is an escort is the best thing that could have happened for them.

Ivy: Damn.

Cynthia: Yeah.

Ivy: Did Amara figure it out?

Cynthia: No, she doesn't follow the news or listen to podcasts. And I don't think anyone would know enough to tell her. You know? Her friends won't have the same details you would.

Ivy: She knows about his birthmarks, but her friends don't?

Cynthia: Basically, yeah.

Ivy: Is he mad at me?

Cynthia: I don't think I've ever seen him mad. Now is no exception. But he is…

Ivy: Disappointed?

Cynthia: Bingo.

Ivy: Do you think he'd forgive me?