Page 130 of Shattered Melodies

“Well, if it isn’t the prodigal son,” Jimmy’s voice came through, tinged with amusement. “How’s the concrete jungle treating you?”

I snorted, grabbing my coffee as the barista set it down. “Like a cat treats a mouse. I’m about five seconds away from losing my mind, Jimmy.”

“That bad, huh?” Jimmy’s tone softened. “Hang in there, man. It’s just for a little while.”

I took a sip of my coffee, wincing as it burned my tongue. “Yeah, well, it feels like forever. Listen, I need a favor.”

“Shoot,” Jimmy said.

I pushed my way out of the coffee shop, back onto the crowded street. “The fundraiser. I need you to help out. You’re good with people, marketing, all that crap. And you’ve got the patience of a saint, which is more than I can say for myself right now.”

Jimmy chuckled. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Liam. But sure, I can help. What do you need?”

I weaved through the crowd, phone pressed to my ear. “Just make it big, you know? This is important to Caleb, which means it’s important to me. And if we can stick it to my parents in the process, even better.”

“Gotcha,” Jimmy said. “I’ll reach out to Caleb, see what he’s got planned so far. Speaking of, how are things with cowboy Casanova?”

I felt a smile tug at my lips, despite everything. “Good. Really good, actually. I miss him like crazy, Jimmy. Is that weird? We’ve only been back together for a little while, but…”

“But it feels like coming home,” Jimmy finished for me. “I get it, man. You two have history. Deep history.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Yeah, exactly. God, I wish I had my flask with me right now. Left the damn car in Oakwood Grove.”

“Probably for the best,” Jimmy said, his voice taking on that gentle, concerned tone I knew all too well. “You’ve been doing so well, Liam. Don’t throw that away now.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I know, I know.”

“You’re stronger than you think, Liam. You’ve got this. And hey, think of it this way - the sooner you wrap up this deal, the sooner you can get back to your hunky cowboy.” Jimmy said softly.

I laughed, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. “Thanks, Jimmy. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Jimmy cleared his throat. “Actually, Liam, there’s something else I need to tell you.”

I felt my stomach drop. Jimmy’s tone had shifted, and I knew whatever was coming wasn’t good. “What is it?”

“I found out who leaked the information about you being in Oakwood Grove,” Jimmy said, his voice careful.

I stopped dead in my tracks, causing a businessman behind me to nearly crash into me. “Who?” I demanded.

There was a pause, and I could almost see Jimmy wincing on the other end of the line. “It was Cleo.”

The world seemed to tilt for a moment. Cleo? My friend Cleo? The one who had helped me design my house? “That’s… that’s impossible,” I stammered.

“I’m sorry, Liam,” Jimmy said softly. “I double-checked. It was definitely her.”

I felt a mix of emotions surge through me - betrayal, anger, confusion. “But why? Why would she do that?”

Jimmy sighed. “I don’t know, man. People have their reasons. Maybe she thought she was helping somehow?”

I shook my head, even though Jimmy couldn’t see me. “Helping? By potentially exposing my identity? God, Jimmy, what am I going to do?”

“For now? Nothing,” Jimmy said firmly. “Focus on the deal. We’ll deal with Cleo when you get back. And hey, at least we know now, right?”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me. “Yeah, I guess. Thanks for telling me, Jimmy.”

“I know,” Jimmy said, his voice gentle. “Take your time. And Liam? Don’t do anything rash, okay?”

I snorted, a bitter laugh escaping me. “No promises.”

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