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“Yeah.” But he doesn’t push or press. “I arranged everything regarding the ceremony. We need to get the paperwork sorted in Saskatoon.” As I kiss Tee’s cheek, he continues, “I’m sorry you couldn’t fly back for the ceremony, Christy. If you’ve changed your mind, I can?—”
She swipes at her cheeks and then grants him a great honor. “You can call me Tee. My asshole boss won’t grant me PTO on such short notice.” Her bottom lip wobbles. “I hate that I can’t be there, Zee.”
He leaves us to our second sobfest as she sputters apologies for not being able to afford time off from work but gives me twenty minutes to get ready for the airport.
Once I’m showered and dressed in a simple pencil skirt and silk shirt that I combine with leather boots and a warm winter coat, I retreat to the living room and find them laughing with one another.
That he got Tee to relax is something I need to be thankful for.
As bitter as we both are about this situation, I can tell she likes him.
I’m not sure if that makes things better or worse.
It physically hurts to hug her goodbye and to wave farewell to Parker. Hurts more to grab my carry-on while Colt sorts out my luggage and to eventually leave the apartment and hear her turn the six locks behind us.
It’s especially rough when she starts crying again.
Wishing I could ease her suffering, I press my hand to the door.
“You’ll see her soon,” Colt rumbles, his voice kind.
How soon? Not tonight. Not tomorrow night either.
Summer?
The holidays?
God.
“Are you okay?”
His question breaks into my thoughts.
The elevator doors open and he waits for me to step inside before joining me.
I’m not sure if this chivalry is going to wear on my last nerve or ultimately charm me.
Either way, it’s a problem for another time.
“It’s the end of an era,” I finally say.
“That always hurts.”
“Yes.” The doors close behind us. “Thank you for being kind to her. I know she’s… dramatic. It’s her creative soul. She feels too much.”
“She’s a musician, isn’t she?”
“Among other things. She’s damn good, though. Just can’t catch a break here.”
“Sometimes, it’s not what you know but who.”
I tip up my chin. “Very true.”
He checks his cell phone. “Tee doesn’t know we used to be friends, does she?”
“No.”
“Why?”