Page 41 of Just Can't Fall for the Enemy

“Have it in my inbox by midnight and I’ll give you half the ad revenue from this episode and from whatever comes of Guy’s collaboration.”

“Done.”

She’d spoken too quickly, almost as if expecting the offer. This partnership with Guy would make us both millions.IfI could make it happen. The possibilities that rendered me giddy in the past now felt muted, like they lay behind a thick blanket. Their siren call didn’t have quite the same power, not when it required leaving Sophie behind.

Sophie.She wouldn’t answer the door or my phone calls, but maybe she’d see a text.

I wished Jill luck and hung up. Then I sent her all the files from my phone and laptop in an uncharacteristic mess before texting Sophie.Sorry about Olivia. I sent her packing in a big way. I’m pretty sure she won’t be bothering us again. By the way, those other women meant nothing.

Then I read the words, deleted them, and shook my head in disgust. Sophie deserved better than excuses and defensiveness.

I should have told you about Olivia,I wrote instead.I’m sorry. Please let me explain.

I waited two minutes, then five, then ten. No answer.She’d probably deleted it immediately.

Leaning back on my bed, I started at the yellow-stained ceiling.This goof-up required far more than a bouquet of flowers . . . or, in my case, a bouquet of forest weeds.

My phone rang again. I answered before noticing who it was and let my shoulders slump when my brother’s voice, not Sophie’s, came through the speaker.

“You sound so excited to hear from me,” Ben said, laughing.

“Sorry.” I’d said that word a lot today. “I was waiting to hear from someone.”

“A woman.” When I didn’t refute it, he chuckled again. “You never change, little bro.”

I’d heard that a lot today too. “Anyway . . .”

“So, we invited you over for Thanksgiving, and you haven’t answered our calls or texts. Mom’s worried. I thought I’d make sure you’re still alive and report back to her.”

“Still alive last time I checked.” Last night, I’d felt more alive than ever. It contrasted sharply with this moment, when dread kept my jaw clenched tight. “I should have answered. I appreciate you and Emily inviting me, but I’m not going to make it.”

There was a long silence. “That’s it? You’re not going to tell us why?”

“Too busy with the show. I don’t have a single day to spare.”

“Not even for your family?”

I opened my mouth to snap back, but he was right. I’d been avoiding my family for years. Being around my mom and her sighs of disappointment at my choice of lifestyle didn’t exactly feel festive.

“Look. I don’t know how to say this,” Ben said softly. “But Mom isn’t doing so well.”

That caught my attention. “What does that mean exactly?”

“She’s been in the hospital twice since Christmas. She wouldn’t let us tell you because she knew you’d worry, but I think she was hoping you’d find out and come running.”

I sat there in shock. How could they keep this from me? “Is she okay?”

“For now. Her heart defect has been acting up, but the doctor doesn’t want to do surgery because it might kill her at this age.”

I sat forward, not caring that I was shouting now. “But she’s only in her sixties and healthy otherwise. They need to take care of this.”

“That’s what I thought, too, but it’s complicated. If you come for Thanksgiving, we’ll arrange a quick phone visit with the doctor, and you can ask her all your questions.”

My world felt upside down, stacked atop my head with no relief in sight. “I can’t make any guarantees, but I’ll try.”

“Good. I’ll tell her.”

“Ben?”

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