Page 65 of The Temptation of Truth

But is that what I should do? Is that what I want to do?

Would they even want to hear from me?

They could have found me, too. They could have hired the PI just like I did. They could have searched.

If they wanted to, they would have. But...

God, there are so many unknowns. So many moving parts. No matter what I do, it’s a leap into darkness. There’s a best possible and a worst possible outcome, and both are equally probable. Both are equally terrifying.

I’ve never cared so much about odds before.

What if I was wanted?

But what if I wasn’t?

I take a deep breath and attempt to shove my anxious thoughts aside as I get closer to the dressing room. Maybe I shouldn’t have done this right before a show, but I was hoping the energy on stage would help to clear my mind. Now I’m not so sure.

I let myself in and smile at Red as Ziggy attacks my legs.

“Ooof, beast.” I scratch between her ears. “I love you, too.”

My eyes scan the room, seeking Aurora out without my permission. My eyes skip right over Sav and Claire to find her, and when they do, the knot of nerves in my stomach loosens slightly. I grab a mineral water from the minifridge and join the three of them on the small leather sectional. They’re mid-conversation as I sit down next to Sav.

Claire gives me a smile and a wave, but she doesn’t stop talking to Aurora. When I hear the topic of discussion, I’m glad she doesn’t.

“So where did you and Brady meet?”

“Is Brady your husband?” I butt in, trying my best to sound normal. Trying my best not to frown, which is difficult.

There’s no denying the jealousy burning inside me. The attraction is bad enough. But add in jealousy? That’s a recipe for fucking disaster. Doesn’t stop me from needing her answer, though.

Flicking her eyes to me, Aurora nods. “Yes, Brady is my husband.”

Brady is a dumb name, but I don’t say that out loud. She looks back at Claire with an uncomfortable smile.

“I’ve known him my whole life. He was one of my brother’s best friends.”

“Were you high school sweethearts?”

“No, actually. We didn’t date until college.”

“And you’ve been married for how long?”

I could kiss Claire for asking these questions. The answers might irritate me, but I’m salivating for them. Aurora darts her eyes from Claire to me and back.

“Eighteen months.”

A year and a half. That means she probably got married around twenty-one. And if he’s her older brother’s friend...

“How old is Brady?”

Surprise passes over Aurora’s face at my question, and she blinks twice before she answers.

“He just turned twenty-nine.”

My lips tighten. It takes restraint not to unleash a deluge of questions, but I don’t. I can’t because Sav interjects, and Iknowit was on purpose.

“Well, I can’t wait to meet him. Has he said anything about my offer?”