Page 36 of The Holy Grail

Is he worthy?

Jules parked her car in front of Malcom’s townhouse and turned off the engine. As she was gathering her purse and overnight bag, her phone alerted her to an incoming text.

EVAN: I wanted to say thanks for what you did for me today at the meeting. I really appreciate it.

Settling back in her seat, she typed back a response.

JULES: You’re welcome. I’m glad everything went so well. JULES: I’m not going to lie. Your brother is a bit of an asshole. EVAN: He’s always been like that.

She watched as the three dots appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared.

EVAN: Speaking of being an asshole, I also wanted to apologize for being one the night we were talking about What’s-His-Name.

I was out of line, and I should have apologized in person, because a texted apology is pretty chicken-shit …

but I’m currently being a coward. EVAN: It’s just hard to be around you, now .

At that, Jules felt her heart clench. She knew how he felt, because it was hard to be around him, too, and every time she saw him, it was like picking at a scab that wouldn’t heal. Try as she might, a part of her heart just wouldn’t let go of him.

JULES: I know, and I’m sorry. EVAN: You shouldn’t be sorry for something you have no control over. EVAN: But I just need to know … is he worthy?

She felt her eyes prickle at the question. The fact that he was, in a way, looking out for her happiness even now made her heart hurt—for him and for her. If she hadn’t decided to call Malcom, how different would things be?

And the answer was … likely very different.

JULES: Yes, he’s worthy. I think, under different circumstances, you would like him.

JULES: I sometimes wonder if I’m worthy.

EVAN: You’re more than worthy. EVAN: I wish you every happiness.

I do, but that doesn’t mean I want to see it, at least not for a while.

JULES: I understand, but what about the work I still need to do for the bar?

I’m not completely finished. EVAN: I’ve already talked with Evelyn, and she’s going to be your point person until you’re done.

Anything you need to do, can be done during her shifts, and she can fill me in on anything I need to know. EVAN: I’ll send you her contact info.

Feeling overwhelmed and utterly shitty because of the situation, Jules began to cry, something she rarely ever did. But the moment called for it, and her vision was blurry as she texted back.

JULES: Okay. JULES: I really am sorry. EVAN: Like I said, you shouldn’t be sorry for something you have no control over .

A few seconds later, Evelyn’s contact information popped up on her screen, and there was nothing left to do but accept the new parameters of her relationship with Evan.

In effect, they didn’t have much of one anymore, and it hurt like hell.

She wiped at her eyes and face, then started to tilt the rearview mirror so she could see the damage, when there was a tapping at her window. Knowing it was probably Malcom, she turned and met his gaze.

When he saw the obvious signs of crying, he immediately opened the door. “What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned. “Did something happen at the meeting?”

Instead of answering, she grabbed her purse and overnight bag and got out of the car. “The meeting was fine.”

Ever the gentleman, he took her bag. “Then what is it?”

“It’s …” she broke off and swallowed hard. She wasn’t prepared to have a conversation about what was wrong, so she shook her head. “Is it okay if we don’t talk about it right now?”

Malcom looked like he wanted to press her, but stopped himself, and slowly nodded instead.