Page 112 of David

I don’t think I’ve ever heard so much desperation in her voice.

“What do you want to do? We can’t just leave. We have to call a cab, and it will take some time for the driver to get here. Your man will see you anyway. It would be much better if we waited…” I say, turning my eyes to the group.

“Liz?”

She almost breaks my hand, trying to get my attention.

“I will forever be indebted to you if you get me out of here,” she says.

My eyes go to her.

“People will notice if you’re making a scene,” I say under my breath.

“I’m not making a scene,” she says, sliding off her seat like a snake and almost falling behind my chair.

She looks like she’s searching for something on the ground.

“Please,” she hisses, and luckily, no one notices us bargaining.

They’re all busy chatting with each other while Rain instructs the staff to get dinner ready.

I have no idea what to do when Chloe sort of sneaks behind a woman’s back and starts walking around the house. I can’t let her wander like she’s lost her mind, so I pull out of my seat, tap Thea on the shoulder, and lean over to whisper in her ear.

“I need to go. Please tell Rain everything was perfect. Chloe doesn’t feel well. We’ll get a cab. I don’t want to make this into an event. Okay?”

Our eyes connect.

“Is she all right?” she asks, concerned.

“Yes. She’s fine. But she hasn’t had much sleep. We went to a club last night.”

“Oh. Okay. Are you all right?”

“Much better than she is.”

I give her a smile, and she nods.

“Okay. I’ll let her know.”

“Thank you so much. You’re the best.”

I hug her quickly and rush away, not glancing back or even knowing whether David is still here or not.

17

LIZ

I catch up with Chloe, who ends up in front of the house. I feel bad about leaving like this. But I would also feel bad if I didn’t help Chloe.

“What now…?” I murmur as she pulls out her phone and swipes the screen to open an app and get a car for us.

“Stupid, stupid luck,” she says, not paying attention, and I don’t know whether she’s talking about getting a car or something else.

“Who is that man, Chloe?”

“I told you I have no idea.”

“Why is he here?”

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