Page 64 of The Wrong Promise

Penny.My heart does a little dance.

Hi, babe, how is it going? I miss you so much. Franklin told me about your fake relationship with Jobe. If you want to talk about it, I’m here for you because you need a freaking medal. Love you x

I let out an equally disappointed sigh at the acknowledgment of a fake relationship. But she’s right. I need a medal, a big fucker, to show I survived. If only she were here so we could talk.

My cell buzzes again.

Jobe.

By the way, Penny knows.

No shit, dumbass. I’m relieved Penny knows, even if it’s fake because I don’t like keeping things from her. Checking the time, it’s midmorning in LA, so I grab a blanket and head out to the terrace.

My cell makes the weird FaceTime noise.

“Zara!” Penny screams. Her big smile lights up the screen. “How are you?”

“Okay.” I force a smile because seeing her has brought on a ripple of emotions. “I miss you.”

Her face sags. “I miss you too. Terribly.” She looks away and then back to me. “Summer is sleeping. I’m so tired and all I think is Zee would cheer me up. We could have a night out together, and the world would be right again.”

“Your world is right,” I tell her. “Everything is how itshould be. I won’t be away forever, and I’ll be back doing those things with you like no time has passed.”

“Have you booked a return flight?”

I shake my head. “Everything is uncertain at the moment. I gave myself a year, but we’ll see.”

“What do you want to achieve in a year?”

She’s watching me attentively as I consider my answer. “Originally, I wanted to get my life in some order. Boost my career. Travel some and enjoy the adventure. Make new friends.”

Her bottom lip curls under. “You already have great friends.”

I laugh at her. “I do. You’re my forever friends. But I don’t want to be alone here.”

“No.” She leans closer. “Why didn’t you tell me about your arrangement with Jobe?”

I twist my lips, feeling like a shit friend. “I didn’t know how you’d react. Besides, it’s a short time, and I think we have one more date… a gala to attend together.”

“I know.” Her eyes widen with excitement. “Franklin and I are also attending. I get to see you, and it will be fun. When your mother told me you won’t be home for Thanksgiving, I decided to come to you.”

“You spoke to Mom?”

“Yes.” Her eyes widen. “I wanted to surprise you if you were coming home. Thank you for doing this for the family. I wasn’t happy at first, the dishonesty in business.” She shrugs. “I felt sorry for Sir James. Then I understood how our family investment will benefit both businesses, and an older man’s opinion could ruin that.” She tilts her head as she holds my gaze. “You’ve always been stronger than me.”

My eyes well. “I’m not. I have always admired your strength and doing the right thing in the world. You haveyour life in order. I’m still floating around the planet, not knowing where I’m going or why.”

Her brow furrows. “You just told me your plan. Stick to your goals. Show London what Zara Hart can do.”

“I’m glad you have faith in me.” I double back. “So you’re coming to the gala?” Excitement grows in my chest at seeing my friend. It will be like the old days, but it won’t.

“Ah-ha.” She beams her beautiful smile at me. “Jobe said it’s not necessary, but Franklin thinks we should attend to represent HCM.”

“It’s so close to Christmas… but I’d love to see you.” But not when I’m fake adoring her brother-in-law. Only it’s not fake.She’ll notice.I. Will. Die.

Her head turns. “Babe, I’m sorry I have to go. Can we talk tomorrow? By the time I’m organized, you’ll probably be in bed.”

“Of course. You can talk to me anytime.” We blow each other a kiss before ending the video call.

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