Page 238 of By His Play

If he’s ringing, it’s because he knows something has gone wrong.

My stomach knots.

Did Kieran go to him first? Or was it his next stop after here?

“Shit,” I hiss when the call rings off.

Brax is a good person. A really good person.

If he knows, then he won’t let it go. Not until he’s confident I’m okay.

It takes two minutes for him to try again. And this time, I lift my cell up. My thumb hovers over the screen to connect the call.

I really don’t want to talk to anyone. The instant he hears my voice, he’ll know just how bad it is.

Aware that if I don’t respond, he’ll probably turn up at my door demanding answers, I reluctantly accept the call and put it on speaker. I don’t have the energy to hold it up.

“Hey,” I croak.

“Effie, I’m so fucking sorry.”

A sad laugh falls from my lips.

“None of this is your fault. You don’t owe anyone an apology.”

“I should have been more careful. I should have been keeping you away from the media and?—”

“Brax, stop. None of it matters.”

A heavy sigh fills the line.

“No, I guess you’re right.” Silence falls for a few seconds. “How bad was it?” Brax finally asks.

I cringe.

“You know what Kieran is like,” I say in an attempt to play it down.

Over the years, I’ve learned just how hot-headed my best friend can be. But usually, I’m the one talking him down instead of on the wrong end of his temper.

Or at least, not until recently.

“What did he say to you?”

I shake my head, fresh tears burning my eyes again.

“It doesn’t matter. He was angry, said some stuff I’m sure he’s already regretting. I assume you’ve seen him?”

“Yeah.”

“And…” I prompt.

“And same as you. Not sure he’s regretting it all that much, though.”

I let my head fall back and close my eyes.

My life used to be so simple and quiet.

What happened?

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