Page 23 of Primary Seduction

Jocelyn laughed quietly on the other end of the phone, and the sound lifted Trent’s heart. This.Thiswas what he needed each day to lift his spirit’s and make each day worthwhile. The sound of his children’s laughter.

“Well, I saw a bracelet the other day, which was gorgeous.”

Trent winced a little at the potential price of jewellery, but he’d make sure she had it if that was what she wanted. “Okay, anything else?”

“Um, there’s the new film out that I wanted to see at the cinema.”

“Sounds good. Okay, I’ll have a think. Make sure you send me the description of the bracelet and where you found it—no guarantees I’ll get it, but it will give me something to look at.” Trent was buying the bracelet regardless, even if it was expensive because Jocelyn deserved it. He’d do no less for his kids, even if they didn’t speak to him anymore.

“Thanks, Dad.” They were silent for a moment, and then Jocelyn said, “Have you heard from Harper?”

“No, why is everything okay?” Trent sat upright, worry coursing through his veins.

“No, no. Everything’s fine. I just didn’t know if you ever get hold of her.”

Trent blew out a relieved breath, settling back again. “No, she doesn’t seem to want to talk to me very much. I’m not sure what I’ve done to upset her, but I haven’t heard from her in weeks.”

“I’m sorry, Dad. From what I’ve heard from her, she seems fine and is working hard at college still. She’s loving her languages.”

“I’m glad. I wish I could talk to her though.”

“I’ll tell her to ring when I next speak to her.”

“It’s okay, Jocelyn, don’t worry. She’ll speak to me eventually. I hope.” Trent could hear the disappointment in his own voice, so knew Jocelyn could hear it too. He heard noises in the background and instinct told him their call was coming to an end.

“Dad, I’m going to have to go. Class is starting in a few minutes.”

“Okay, sweetheart. Oh, when is a good time to ring you?”

“There’s no wrong time, Dad.”

“Okay, love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you, too, Dad. Bye.”

Trent waited until Jocelyn clicked the phone off before removing it from his ear. He stared at the dark TV, wishing things were different. He was beginning to bridge the gap between him and Jocelyn now—their conversation this time easier than it had been in a while—but Harper, he had no idea what to do.

To avoid his thoughts derailing, he lifted his hand again and dialled his brother.

“Samuel Walker.”

“Even on a weekend, Samuel? You can’t check who’s calling on a weekend?” Trent laughed. He loved teasing him about working so hard.

“I don’t get weekends, Trent. That’s for people who aren’t lawyers.” He laughed with it.

Trent joined him. “Did you get chance to meet with Max’s friend?”

“Yeah, I saw him yesterday. I can’t—”

“I know, I know. I’m not asking for information. I just wondered if you were able to help him.” Trent knew all about client confidentiality.

“Yes, I can help him.”

“That’s great.” Trent was relieved that Max’s friend would be able to get help.

“What’s wrong?” Samuel was far too intuitive for his own good, but that was what made him a good lawyer.

Trent debated for a moment what to tell him but decided he needed to be open about it. “I’m going to the doctor next week. For a check-up.”