Page 24 of One Big Little Secret

Honestly, I’m supposed to be working, so the best thing to do is ignore.

But I can’t, and we both know it.

Sighing, I swipe to accept the call. “Hey, Kay.”

“Oh myGod, you’re alive! It’s been forever, Lemmy.” It’s actually been about three days, but Kayla’s attention span rivals a goldfish. “How’s it going?”

“Um, it’s fine.”

“Just fine? I’ve heard The Cardinal is todiefor. It’s their big new thing, you know. The brothers’ money-maker.” She practically squeals with delight. I hold the screen away from my ear. “And now you’reworkingthere! How glad are you that I got you this gig?”

“Superglad,” I gush, knowing she won’t pick up the sarcasm.

My heart sinks into my stomach.

That’s the real reason why I can’t ignore the call—Kayla put me here. And because it’s Kayla, she acts like I should fall to my knees in gratitude for thismagnificentact of charity.

“What’s it like? Is it as lush as everyone says it is? Are the people nice?”

“It’s gorgeous. We’re just getting up and running, so no customers yet,” I say, and for once it isn’t a lie. “Especially the pool. They have these cute little igloos on their rooftop bar where you can sneak away. You’d love it. Very private.”

“Ohhh, cool. Yeah, I know I would. I’m tempted to come stay to see what it’s like.” She giggles. “Maybe I could show it off on my Instagram. I’m sure the Rory bros would appreciate that if I tag them.”

Oh, the things rich people do to get in each other’s good graces.

I’m not sure if Patton Rory evenhasan Instagram, though. He doesn’t strike me as the type to leave much time in his life for the rampant social media addiction that’s swallowed Kayla whole.

“Sure,” I say cheerfully. “Nobody as driven as them ever passes up free PR.”

“Have you met them yet? The younger one, I mean—”

“Patton Rory?”

“Patton, yeah.” I can practically hear her holding her breath. “Who else? There’s no one else interesting there. I know Dexter Rory’s married off now and the older one, he’s like divorced or something. Woof.”

Charming.

“Oh, okay. You know I don’t keep up with the local gossip mill. Patton, I’ve met.”

“Oh my God.” This time she holds in a squeal, and I wince. “So what’s he like? You need to tell meeverything, Lemmy. He’s pretty much the hottest goods in KC. Did you know I had him at a party years ago and I stupidly dipped out before I said hello? Daddy got on my case for being rude.”

I keep walking, heading for the elevator, and press the button for the rooftop. Just to make sure everything’s in place, I tell myself, but I know the real reason.

The view. I could use some serenity now.

“Um, well, let’s see, he’s tall.”

“Duh! Nobody’s jonesing over a guy if he fits in a cabinet. I know what he looks like, Lemmy. But what’s helike? He’s a walking thirst trap and I bet his personality—mmmm.”

Holy hell, this hurts.

I want to tell her what a monumental prick he is, but honestly, she’d probably love the ‘challenge’ more.

“We just had a quick business meeting, Kay. There wasn’t a lot of small talk,” I tell her. “It was pretty down to brass tacks. He wore a suit and tie. We discussed The Cardinal. He tried to give me a rundown on my job.”

Tried, yes.I don’t elaborate. She doesn’t need to know Arlo ruined said suit.

By the way, did I mention he’s the father of my son?

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