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The back door opens before softly closing. Standing up, I say, “I’ll check to see if it’s her.”
Dad lets out a deep sigh as his phone rings. “I’ll be here on the phone.”
I make my way to the kitchen and watch as Alexandra tucks her phone into her purse.
She’s wearing a long sleeve shirt and dress pants.
“You’re late.” My tone is much harsher than I intended. “Is everything alright?”
“I’m fine.” She says softly as her gaze darts around the kitchen.
She’s lying. I know when she’s fine and when something is bothering her, and right now, something is on her mind.
Is it me?
“You didn’t return my calls or texts.”
She crosses her arms and winces in pain. “I was busy.”
“Did you get moved in and settled?”
Are her arms sore from moving? Did she do it by herself? Did she have to carry everything upstairs alone, or did she hire movers?
“Yep. We’re supposed to be in the meeting with your father.”
She pushes past me, but I reach out and grab her hand. “Alexandra wait. Please.”
“What do you want, Joseph?”
“I want more with you. I shouldn’t have hesitated when you asked me last week. I was scared and running from my true feelings.”
“There isn’t anything between us.”
“Don’t say that, Alexandra. Everything is still here. Our feelings are real.”
“No, they aren’t. I don’t want to be with you.” Her voice cracks as she pulls her hand out of mine.
“Why? What changed?” How can she change her mind all of a sudden?
“Everything has changed.”
She disappears down the hallway, leaving me more confused than ever.
What the fuck just happened?
I walk back to the meeting room. Dad is off the phone and looking at the folder Alexandra just handed him.
He looks up at me as I take my seat. “Where do we stand on information regarding Rossi?”
“There hasn’t been any word from Rossi or any of his informants.”
He frowns. “How’s the prisoner?”
“Stubborn as shit and refusing to eat.”
“We can move him to one of the known safe houses and see if he will speak more freely once he’s clean and comfortable.”
“I’ll speak to Alvin and get him transferred this afternoon.”