Page 68 of Tangled In Lies

Me

I like this a lot better, but while it would provide more beds, it has less room for the rest. I don’t think you could fit more than the office, a common room, and one, maybe two more “conference” rooms in there. Would you be okay cutting some of the programs you wanted to offer?

On Tuesday, I called Doreen at the shelter to tell her I couldn’t stop by this week, and she informed me not to worry, that “Mr. Montgomery” had already taken care of it and hired some people to help. Apparently, Phoenix had also told her he’d be in touch soon to discuss the shelter and howhe could help more. I could practically hear the hearts in her eyes over the phone.

Not that I blame her. To say I was immune to hearing what Phoenix did would be a lie.

I also get more messages from my parents, this time my mom, who gives me the same “warning message,” just a tad less obnoxious than my dad.

Ruby and Mason also check in almost every day, entertaining me with their antics, sending pictures and videos of what I’m missing, asking if I’m okay and what I’m doing. They’ve calmed down a bit after I sent them pictures of my animal pancakes and my cozy setup in the movie room.

The two of them, along with Tyler, also keep me up to date on the classes I’m missing, emailing me their notes and assignments. They’re the best.

By midweek, Holden grumbles that I spend more time on the phone than I spend watching, and that I haven’t even noticed what’s going on with Lucifer and Chloe. I just wave him off and get him some popcorn.

By Thursday, after yet another excited text message from Phoenix with a possible building prospect, the inexplicable desire to want to have these conversations with him face-to-face ignites inside me. I want toseethe excitement on his face and hear the passion in his voice.

I’m so screwed.

Holden and I have also started going on walks in the last few days, once my fatigue finally started to fade, and he showed me around the parts of the property I hadn’t seen yet and introduced me to every staff member we crossed paths with, from Mike at the gate to Jean in the kitchen. We don’talways talk a lot, and I appreciate him letting me be. There’s no need to fulfill any expectations like I so often have to.

For the first time in forever, I feel somewhat relaxed.

Phoenix stays away longer than planned, and by the time the weekend rolls in, I’m almost back to normal.

I’m also ready to see Phoenix again.

Am I the only one who feels like things have changed between us?

What if we’re back to weird or hostile again?

Holden said Phoenix finally returned last night, but I haven’t caught a glimpse of him yet.

Maybe he came in late, and that’s why he didn’t stop by my room.

But he’ll have to show his face soon since we have our next event tonight, and tonight is a big one for World Vision, an organization that focuses on helping kids in the U.S. and all around the world. I know Phoenix is looking forward to soaking up all the information and to making as many connections as possible, as am I.

Since I gave myself a clean bill of health and have the whole day to pass, I’m finally meeting up with Ruby and Mason, who’ve been more patient with me this week than they probably wanted to be.

When Holden and I arrive at the coffee shop, Ruby and Mason immediately wave me to the corner booth they snatched. They both send a wary glance at my shadow as he settles into a chair close by that’ll allow him to keep an eye on both the door and me.

My friends shower me with hugs and kisses before Mason ushers me into his side of the booth.

He gives me a once-over. “You look healthy. I approve.”

I smile at him. “Thank you. I desperately needed this week to feel better.”

Mason squeezes my side. “I’m glad you’re okay. We weren’t sure if you were lying and wanted to see it for ourselves.”

Ruby nods. “Yup. Looking good. Now spill the beans, babe. We’ve been on the edge of our seats all week long. And if I haven’t said it yet, I’m glad you weren’t on campus this week. People even came up to me to ask about you and Phoenix. Does no one remember what boundaries and privacy are?”

Mason snorts. “It seems to be trendy to be rude and entitled these days. Some people act like it’s a new hobby.”

“So true.” Ruby nods. “You told us you were chilling with your shadow most of this week, but we still have no clue what happened last weekend with Phoenix.”

“Well . . . so.” I rub my hand over my neck and collarbone. “Remember, I’m okay now, so no freaking out. After we got home from the gala, I found the piano and started playing. And then I kinda lost it and had a bit of a meltdown and threw some stuff.”

I say it all quickly, not wanting to draw this out any longer than necessary. I’m met with silence for a beat. Two, three, four.

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