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Tina.
My phone buzzed with a message notification, but I ignored it.
Dropping on the padded bench, I picked up the bottle of Scotch I’d brought with me and topped off the highball on the accent table. The ice had mostly melted, but I didn’t care, just as I didn’t care that I was stupid, drinking, and brooding.
Gianni’s ringtone blared in my ear. I scowled and tossed back the Scotch, a 21-year Glenfiddich that deserved much better treatment. I didn’t give a fuck about that either.
Grabbing the phone, I accepted the call. “I’m about ten seconds from hurling this piece of shit into the trash. Leave me the fuck alone.”
“Wow, you’re a surly bastard tonight,” Gianni said, her mild tone mocking my anger. “Look, I was just checking to see if you were at home or the hotel.”
“Why? I don’t want company.”
“Because my guy mentioned seeing one of your precious little escorts at your hotel. Probably looking for you. I figured you weren’t in the mood for company and wanted to give you a heads up.”
Swirling the Scotch in my glass, I sighed. “I’m home, so don’t worry about it. I appreciate you looking out for me.”
Hey, I’m not looking out for you. It’s the poor escort. You’re toxic these days.” She paused for a moment. “I’m only teasing you.”
Putting down the glass of Scotch, I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Yeah, Gianni, I’m getting off the phone. I’m tired, okay?”
I didn’t wait for a response and just hung up. Kicking my feet up onto the table, I stared at the vast expanse of sky overhead, dotted with a million stars.
The deep navy color hurt to look at because it made me think of Tina’s eyes.
But I couldn’t look away either.
Lulled by the quiet music found only in nature, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift for a minute or two.
My damn phone rang.
Again.
Jerking upright as the screen lit up, the bright flare made me wince as my eyes adjusted.
Had I fallen asleep?
Maybe…
“Hello?”
“James…um, hi.” Tina’s voice was soft, hesitant, and the most beautiful sound I’d heard in days. “I…um…am I interrupting anything?”
“No.” Even if she had, it wouldn’t have mattered.
“Ah. Good. Um…you…” She stopped talking.
I heard her drag in a deep breath and let it out unsteadily.
“Are you okay?”
“I think.” She laughed, the sound edging up at the end, a sign of nerves I hadn’t ever seen from her. “Listen, I’m at your place—”
I stood to my feet, the last vestiges of sleep gone. “What? Where? The hotel?”
“No. I’m…at your house. Gianni texted after she made sure you weren’t at the hotel. I want to talk—”
“Gianni…did...what?” I’d been tricked by my sister. “Hold on. I’m coming to the door.”