Page 82 of Icy Pucking Play

My phone buzzes again. This time it's Cynthia.

Just ran into Julia at the store. What happened??? Call me!!!

We’ve been on opposite work schedules, and I haven’t seen her in days. So she’s not up on the latest.

"Speaking of lighting up," Helen nods at my phone, "your screen's been glowing more than usual today."

"Everyone's very...concerned."

"Can you blame them? From what I hear, you've become quite the fixture in the Daniels world."

"That was a mistake."

"Was it?" She studies me. "Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like you found something real. Something worth writing about."

"That's the problem!" I slump in my chair. "I'm supposed to be writing about them, not...not..."

"Falling in love with them?"

"I'm not…" But the words stick in my throat.

Because maybe I am.

Not just with Evan, though God knows that's complicated enough.

But with all of them. With the way they made me feel like I belonged.

My phone rings, Clark Ellis's number lighting up the screen.

"I should take this," I say, standing.

"Sophie." Helen's voice stops me. "Whatever you're looking for? I don't think you'll find it with Clark Ellis."

"I'm not looking for anything. It's just work."

But even I don't believe that anymore.

I answer the phone in the hallway, trying to sound professional. "Sophie Bennett."

"Sophie! Glad I caught you." Clark's voice is smooth as ever. "About dinner tonight..."

"Actually, I was thinking maybe we should…"

"Giovanni's at eight? I've got a private table reserved. Perfect for discussing...delicate matters."

I think about Evan's face when he saw Clark talking to me. About the pain in his eyes that he tried to hide.

About all the questions I still have.

"Eight works," I hear myself say.

"Excellent! And Sophie?" His tone shifts slightly. "Wear something nice. Never know who might be there."

The call ends, leaving me with a sick feeling in my stomach. Why should he care about what I’m wearing?

Back at my desk, I find Brad waiting.

"Don't," he says before I can speak.

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