Page 121 of Anyone But Her

Chapter Twenty-Three

Luke

"Hi, this is Luke," I say as I answer the phone.

"You called and left a message for Mr. Pascall?" a woman asks.

"Yes. I need to speak with him."

"I'm sorry but Mr. Pascall had to leave the country for a family emergency. I'm his assistant, Judy. He wanted me to tell you he'll get back to you as soon as he returns."

"Do you know when he'll be back?"

"I don't. His sister was injured while vacationing in Europe. I'm not sure of her condition. It's possible he could be gone for weeks."

"Is there anyone else there who could help me?"

"I'm afraid not but I can keep you posted as to when he'll back."

"I'd appreciate that. Thanks."

Going back inside the house I see Taylor at the table and force myself to look away. It's hard to pretend we're not together. Every time she's near me I feel the urge to hold her hand or put my arm around her or kiss her, but I can't do any of those things. Even looking at her for too long could cause suspicion.

"What happened?" Cal asks.

"Nothing. The lawyer had a family emergency out of town."

"And nobody else can tell you what's in the will?"

"Guess not. His assistant said I have to wait until he gets back."

Taylor gets up from the table and takes her dishes to the sink. I want to go up and put my arms around her. Holding her always calms me, and with everything going on I need her calming presence. The feel of her in my arms.

I watch as Taylor goes past me to the other room.

"Hey." Cal hits my shoulder. "Don't be looking at my sister that way." He says it like he's joking.

"I wasn't looking at her. I was just staring into space, thinking about what to do."

"You can't do anything until you know more. For now, you might as well go to the club and hit some balls."

"I think I'll go to the gym instead. You going?"

"No. I told Alecia I'd take her to get her car at the shop. She got new tires put on it."

"You're still doing shit for her? I thought you were breaking up with her."

"I was, but she keeps inviting me over and then we end up having sex and I feel like I can't break up with her."

"Then stop having sex with her."

His phone rings. "It's Alecia. I gotta go."

He leaves and I return to the guest house, then head to the gym. After lunch, as I'm changing into my swim trunks, I see Taylor out by the pool. Then I hear her at my door.

"Luke?"

I quickly open the door and let her in. I hug her and instantly feel better. More relaxed. Like I can finally breathe again.

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