Page 71 of When We Break

“Okay, good. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. How’s your mom?”

“She couldn’t sleep, so she was calling me. I guess there’s a charity benefit dinner that I have to go to next week in LA.”

He’s quiet for a minute.

“Did I lose you?”

“No, just processing that you’ll be out of town for a few days.”

I grin and pet Riley’s back. “You could go with us. It’s only one night. And it’s for a children’s charity.”

He’s quiet again, and I realize I’m a bloody idiot.

“Forget I said that. Christ, we’ve only just started seeing each other. You don’t need to meet my family and go to a bloody charity event with me. I’m just going to go jump off a bridge now. It was nice knowing you, Mr. Blackwell.”

He’s laughing in my ear, and I cover my face with my hand.

“Take a breath, Irish.”

“I’d like to die now.”

“If you die, I won’t have a beautiful date for a fancy dinner thing next week.”

My eyes snap open in surprise. “You’d actually go with me?”

“Are you under the impression that I can say no to you about literally anything? If you want me there, I’ll be there.”

“I’d love for you to go, but only if you feel comfortable. And if you can get away from the farm.”

“I can. I have enough help.” He sighs on the other end of the line. “I miss you, Skyla.”

“I can come out there if you’d like. Riley and I could wait for you at the house.”

“I’ll be out here all night. I have the night shift with Bessy. But I’d like to take you out for dinner tomorrow night.”

“What if Bessy isn’t feeling better?”

“We’re not putting that out into the universe. She’s going to feel like a champ, and I’m going to hang out with my girl.”

My girl.

“Yes, please.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at six.”

“Beck, do you need anything? I know it’s been a rough week. I could bring something out and drop it off to you. How can I help?”

He sighs, and I can hear the weariness in it. I want to wrap myself around him and hug him close, push my fingers in his whiskers.

I want to comfort him.

“You’re helping. Trust me on that, okay?”

“Okay then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Sleep well, baby.”

ChapterSeventeen

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