Page 15 of Free Agent

“I’ll get that for you,” the host offered, but I was already in motion.

“I’ve got it,” I insisted, heading to the table where it had landed.

“Sorry for the interruption!” I said to the table occupants, intending to grab the phone and get out of their space as quickly as possible.

But… my phone was already in hand.

… a familiar hand.

That made my heart…

Clench?

Stop?

Race?

I couldn’t even tell.

I was just… stuck.

Looking at Monty handing me my phone.

Looking at the smug grin of the woman seated across from him.

“Ri, I’ve been trying to call you,” he said, I think.

It sounded distorted, like he was speaking to me through a bottle.

Or maybe I just wanted to crack him upside the head with the very expensive bottle of champagne perched on the table.

“I was trying to let you know I flew back.”

Instead… I did nothing.

“You haven’t been answering your phone, so I figured you had other plans.”

I didn’t react.

“Did you get the deliveries? I sent you a few things.”

Didn’t respond.

“Ri? Are you going to say anything?”

I blinked, hard, nostrils flared. My mouth opened, and my gaze landed on… Yams.

Her phone was out.

Pointed at me.

I clenched my fists, digging my nails into my skin, closed my mouth, pressing my lips together to keep myself from looking like even more of a fucking fool.

I didn’t even meet his gaze.

I didn’t make a peep.

I just took my phone from his hand, turned around and walked out, ignoring him calling my name, because I didn’t know what else to do.

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