Page 99 of Mic Drop

I smile at his generosity, especially after his history. “No. You go ahead and have fun for both of us. They look like they’ll give you a run for your money.”

He chuckles. “We’ll see about that. Talk later.” Our fists bump.

Music soon filters from the pool area, which overlooks the beach, where everyone’s paired off in twos, threes, or more. Across the way, Luke’s gaze catches mine. He raises his hands as if to ask if I want to join them, I shake my head, and his head tilts. I raise my palm. He gets the hint that I don’t want to join them, simply enjoy the sun. Standing, I pick up a bottle of water plus my towel and walk down to the beach.

At least no uninvited guests can get past our security here. I drink and walk the shoreline, calmed by the waves while picking up shellsand tossing them into the water. When I’m far enough away from the bacchanalia at the mansion, I lay my towel onto the sand, sit, and stare out at the waves.

Where is Jenna?

Why did she refuse today’s delivery?

How much longer can I derail her plan to get a divorce?

These questions play on a loop.

From behind me, a woman says, “It’s beautiful out here.”

I must be imagining things—the voice sounds just like my wife’s. I check the bottle to confirm I’m only drinking water. Without moving a muscle, I reply, “It is.”

“But not as gorgeous as you.”

It’s her. Dropping my water, I leap to my feet and spin around. Jenna stands on the beach about ten feet away, wearing a dress blowing in the breeze and holding her sandals. Her loose hair blows free. I’ve never seen a more unbelievable sight.

“Jenna?” My eyes dart to confirm she isn’t flanked by a process server, and that her hands are devoid of any papers. Nope, only her sandals. Elias stands behind her several feet, awaiting instructions from me.

“Hi, Bennett.” Her cheeks pinken. Her throat moves as if she’s trying to swallow.

I cross my arms across my naked chest and widen my stance. I nod at Elias to give us some space. My gaze shifts above him, to where the entire band watches what’s happening on the beach. They’ve let her come to me but are watching to make sure I’m okay with it. I revel in their solidarity.

“How did you find me?”

She tucks some flyaway hair behind her ear. “I, well, after I found out the band’s in Nice, I used Google translate to find out where you were staying. The locals are very excited that UC is here.”

With a hint of disgust at the lax security, which could’ve welcomed her process server, I say, “Guess we should make sure our whereabouts are more locked down.”

“I’m glad I found you. My backup plan was to scalp tickets to the concert tomorrow.”

Does she mean this? Why is she here?I want to wrap her in my arms so bad.“How are you doing?”

“I’ve been better. You know, Ma passed away, my clinics were accused of being a front for prostitution, and I picked a massive fight with my husband.”

My arms drop my sides and I will them to remain motionless, even though they’re itching to hold her. “I heard he exposed the people behind the accusations and they’re going to jail.”

She takes a few steps closer to me. “Yeah, he’s pretty awesome that way.”

I lick my lips, aching to taste her again. “I also heard your husband has a new song on the radio he wrote for you. Even sang a part of ita capella.”

She inches closer. “It was breathtaking.”

“I also heard he sends you flowers every day.”

“Because that’s the type of man he is. Even if he can’t be nearby, he always wants me to know he loves me.”

At my sides, my hands fist. “Yet, you’re divorcing him.”

“Actually, that’s why I flew halfway across the globe.” Her head tilts. “No, not that far. Nine hours.” She shakes her head. “Listen, Bennett, I was wrong. Ma’s passing left me so very angry. At God. At the doctors. At nature. I took it all out on you.” She swipes her cheeks.

She’s saying the words I’ve needed to hear ever since Faith died. I want to tell her I forgive her. My mouth drops open, yet the words don’t come. I loved her with my whole heart, and it still wasn’t good enough to keep her at my side and let me comfort her. I close my mouth.

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