Page 81 of Reckless Promises

“Is it that obvious?” She bites down on her lower lip and glances at me. “Sorry.”

“Why would you be sorry for that?”

It’s better than spending time with Darci, who is hypercritical and averse to anything that brings the slightest bit of enjoyment.

Peyton sets down the nearly empty bowl of frosting and leans against the table. “It’s just that I haven’t told Mr. Cross yet, and I don’t want you to be upset.”

I stop messing with the cake and cross my arms over my chest. “What’s going on, Peyton?”

“I got into Stanford.” She smiles, even if her eyebrows pinch like she’s worried about how I’m going to react.

“Stanford? That’s incredible.” I walk over to her and grip the sides of her arms to pull her in for a hug. “When?”

“I found out a few weeks ago.”

“And you’re just now saying something?”

She frowns, once again glancing over at the cake. “It means I’m moving.”

“I know what it means.” I give her arms a little shake before letting her go. “But that’s amazing. You should be shouting it from the rooftops. You got into Stanford.”

School is all she talks about when she isn’t updating me on all the gossip circling the house. Her classes, her projects. She loves what she’s learning, and it shows in how her eyes brighten each time she talks about her studies.

And even if I’m not looking forward to losing the one person on Cillian’s staff who I can relate to, I’m happy for her.

“You’re not upset?”

“Of course not.” I smile. “I’m happy for you. So celebrate it.”

Maybe a month ago I would have had a different view on this. But just because I wasn’t given certain choices, doesn’t mean I can’t be happy that she’s chasing the opportunities she’s been working hard for.

“When do you leave?”

“Not for six months,” she says. “And who knows, after I’m done, maybe I’ll beback.”

The part of me that likes having her around is excited to hear that. But the other part of me hopes she builds a life for herself in California that has nothing to do with the one she’s living now.

“Either way, I’m proud of you. And don’t be scared to tell Cillian; he wants what’s best for you.”

“Thanks, Odette.” Peyton smiles, the slightest sheen coating her eyes.

“Of course.”

She pulls me in for a hug this time, giving me a firm squeeze. Peyton is the closest person to a friend I have here, so I’m going to miss that.

“On that note.” She releases me, grabbing the frosting bowl. “I’m going to get a refill from the kitchen.”

Spinning on her heels, she’s out the door so fast I’m not sure if I spotted tears in her eyes or not. Happiness, hesitation. Her whole family is in Connecticut, so I can’t imagine what conflicting emotions she’s battling with the thought of leaving them behind.

My phone buzzes on the table, and it catches my attention.

Cillian never calls when I’m just elsewhere in the house, and he’s well aware I haven’t left since I just saw him an hour ago.

Walking over to my phone, I spot an unknown number lighting up the screen. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to answer it, but I can’t help my curiosity.

“Hello.”

“Odette. Oh my God, it’s you.”

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