Page 84 of The Love Hoax

What I haven’t shared with my boys is that Adam has called me several times and I’ve ignored each one, erasing the messages before I listen to them.

What’s the point? Hearing Adam’s voice would only create more havoc in my world. My life is in New York. The job is a technicality. I’ll land on my feet like I always do.

“Okay. Good night, Mom.”

“Sleep tight.”

As Jeffrey closes my door, my phone buzzes, my heart skipping a beat.

But it’s Caroline.

“Hey,” I mutter.

“Well, aren’t we chipper.” Caroline sounds wide awake.

“Sorry. just tired.”

“Right. I’m coming over.”

“What? No.” Realizing I’m being abrupt, I add, “You’re in a cast and I’m going to bed. Actually, I’m in bed.”

“I have a chauffeur and crutches. Put something on. Or don’t. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Shut your laptop and grab a bottle of wine. We need to talk.”

“How do you know I’m on my laptop?”

Caroline does no more than harrumph.

Before I can argue further, Caroline ends the call.

I look down at my chocolate-stained nightshirt. Now I have to get up and change. “Great, just great.”

Carolineand I forgo the kiss on each cheek, which would be awkward with her crutches in the way. She carefully sets her casted leg atop the coffee table, accepting the glass of wine she requested. The cast is covered in a sheer black mesh with glittery gold stars. Itmatches her sweater. She has somehow managed to make her broken leg fashionable.

I yawn loudly hoping to get a point across. Say your piece and leave me in peace.

Caroline takes a long sip, then stares at the crimson liquid. “Not bad,” she declares. “Okay, let’s get down to business.”

Paul had dropped her off at my door, got her settled on the opposite end of the sofa, propping her crutches against the wall before leaving, wordlessly. He’s waiting in the car downstairs.

“Caroline, I love you but why are you here at this hour?” It’s ten p.m.

“Because I can’t watch you throw your life away.”

I roll my eyes. “A bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

“Not in the slightest.” Caroline peers at me.

“Sooo, how’s Doctor Gorgeous?”

“Don’t change the subject.”

I meet Caroline’s gaze and hold it. It’s turning into a silent showdown.

Caroline sighs, looking away. Point to Evie.

“I hear you’ve been moping around. No contact from Adam?”

Jeffery materializes behind the sofa. Now four eyes are pinning me.