Page 51 of In Case You Didn't Know

“Okay, okay.” She pauses. “Call me later.”

I hang up and hand Maud the phone. “Thanks,” I say, then return to the bar where Reed is telling the man next to him that he once released ten years of trauma by screaming for eight days straight.

The man looks terrified.

“Hi,” I say, still standing. “I’m so sorry, but I have to get home. An emergency.”

Reed frowns. “That’s sad. I really felt our energies could mesh.”

I’m not sticking around to find out if that’s code for tantric breath sex. Instead I smile and pull out my cell to dial Simon.

But he doesn’t pick up. Of course he doesn’t.

ASHER

“What do you mean she hung up?” I ask Skyler, frowning. “Did you tell her I wanted to talk to her?”

“Of course I did. I guess she was in a hurry to get back to her date. Who apparently is a lot older than her.”

Skyler grins, glancing at Hudson who looks like he’s also trying not to smile. Which is stupidly weird, because I know the man is as protective of Francie as I am. She’s Autumn’s friend. Part of our circle. We take care of those our loved ones love.

“How old?” I ask.

“Maud thinks he’s forty. Maybe older. Says it’s hard to tell because he dresses like a teenager. Anyway, Francie is fine. She just wanted to go back to her date.”

So it’s him. “What’s his name?” I ask her.

“Dear lord, I don’t know. I didn’t ask his shoe size either.” Skyler shakes her head and stretches her arms. “I’m heading up to bed.” She kisses Hudson’s cheek softly, and I see my brother melt at the sensation of her lips.

As soon as she’s left, Hudson turns to look at me, eying me up like I’m something he doesn’t quite understand. “What’s going on between you and Francie?” he asks me.

“Nothing. She’s Autumn’s friend, and I’m worried about her.”

He takes a deep breath, like he’s trying to find the right words. “I know that Annalise screwed you over,” he begins. Itactually looks painful for him to say it. Fitzgerald men aren’t deep talkers. We don’t do emotions, we don’t talk about our trauma. We just fight through it. From our childhood onward it’s been the only way.

“It’s okay,” I say, patting his arm. “You can tell Skyler I’m fine.” Because I know she’s the one who put him up to saying something. “I was over Annalise a long time ago. She and her brother lost. I won. I’m glad to be out of it, and I’m very happy being single. I’m not planning on falling headfirst into a midlife crisis and start banging my much younger sister’s best friend.”

He presses his lips together and nods. “How did you know Skyler put me up to this?” he asks.

“Because I’ve known you all my life.” If I’m uptight, Hudson is practically Victorian. “And I can see the physical pain in your face at asking. Just tell her we had the conversation and everything is fine. Now do you want a drink?”

He shakes his head. “I should probably head up to bed.”

I don’t take it personally that he prefers to spend time with his wife rather than me. That’s how it should be. “Okay.”

He goes to leave then turns around. “Do you think you could check out the security cameras at The Salty Dog?” he asks.

I hold my phone up. I have access to all the cameras we’ve installed throughout the island. Only on Fitzgerald property, of course, but that’s the majority of the buildings. “Already on it.”

I’ve also already sent a still photograph of the guy that Autumn’s dating to my security team to run a search on him, but I don’t tell Hudson that.

“Is she still there?” he asks, lingering.

I glance down at my phone, only to see her gathering up her purse and sweater. “She’s leaving,” I say tightly.

Our eyes meet. “Go to bed,” I tell him. “I’ve got this.”

He’s not used to letting anybody else be in charge. But he nods anyway. “You’re right. She’s young. Sweet. Don’t let him do anything to hurt her.”