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“Fair. Talk soon.”

“Love ya.”

I hang up and stare at my phone, shaking. Right there on the side of a busy street, I’m frozen in time.

Eyes clenched shut, I drag air into my dry lungs. A heavy ache sinks through my chest and lands in my stomach.

Molly may not know why Luke would fly home to meet with lawyers, but I can think of a few reasons.

If it’s the one I fear most, Callie didn’t just butt into his life. She may have saved it.

CHAPTER TWELVE

I’ve pulled myself together by the time I pick up takeout from Adaline’s and make my way back to the hotel. The wait and walk gave me a lot of time to think.

While Molly’s news supports my growing fears, it doesn’t necessarily prove anything. And it certainly doesn’t change the reality of our current situation. I already knew Luke was teetering on the edge of the cliff. It was just a gut-punch to have it so vividly spelled out.

If he already went as far as to settle his affairs, Callie and I are on borrowed time.

I pick up my pace, suddenly desperate to see them both.

I also remind myself Molly’s call, while concerning, is also outdated information.

For one, Luke seems to be turning a corner. It’s subtle and definitely not enough to let our guard down, but I’ve seen glimpses of light returning to his demeanor. Mostly when Callie’s around. The difference between when I first saw him a week ago and today is so stark, it’s hard to argue something isn’t shifting inside him. It could be an act, but he has no reason to put on a show.

I’ll keep an eye on him and talk to Callie about it.

For now, we’ll love him and stay close.

When I get back to the suite, the main living area is empty. I think I hear voices down the hall, so Callie and Luke must be talking in her room.

I use the time to unpack the food from the bag, and by the time I’ve pulled everything out, I hear a door open.

I look down the hall to see Callie exit a room and start toward me.

Any lingering darkness immediately falls away when our eyes lock. This world is just a better place when she’s around.

But the look on her face quickly drains any optimism.

“You okay?” I ask when she approaches. “Wait, did you just come out of the office?”

I squint down the hall again, wondering if Luke’s about to come out as well. Other than storage, I didn’t think that room was used.

“Long story,” Callie says. “What’d you find?”

I shake off the gloom to allow ourselves a brief oasis into Burgerland. I need a mental escape for a few minutes, and based on her heavy expression, she could use one too.

“Burgers. But not just any burger. Here, try this.”

Her expression transforms into a hilarious shade of suspicion when I hand her a box.

She studies the packaging way longer than anyone should ever look at a piece of recycled cardboard.

“You’re not going to laugh at me again because I’ve never tasted a burger that costs more than a pair of socks, are you?”

Ah. Here we go.

“A bit sensitive, I see.”