Page 48 of The Publicist
“He saw her to check up on her, like the friend he is. He’s doing whatyoushould be doing.” She is practically yelling at me now.
“What do you mean, she doesn’t look great?” The thought of Quinn sick or hurt makes my stomach knot. The last thing I want is for her to be in pain, especially if I’m I one that caused it.
“I don’t know, Caleb.” Her voice is soft now. “Why don’t you call Tait to find out? I’m sure he would be willing to talk to you, especially since his friend is hurting because of all of this.”
She texts me the number. “Call him, and get in the shower. You need to get cleaned up. I’ll check on you an about an hour, okay?”
I stand and pull her in for a hug. “Thanks for everything, Elena.”
“You’re welcome. Now, get off me. You smell.” She pushes back against me, and I release her. Her hand gently comes up to my cheek, and she rubs her thumb over my cheekbone. “Just talk to her. It will be best for both of you.” She turns without another word and leaves.
I click the number she sent me and put the phone to my ear, waiting for it to ring. I’m nervous to talk with him, and I’m pacing the room when he answers.
“Caleb, nice of you to call me. What can I do for you?”
“How did you know it was me?”
“Elena gave me your number and told me to expect a call soon.” I can hear him smiling on the other end of the phone. “She misses you, you know?” he says, all trace of his smile gone.
“Elena told me you saw her today and she doesn’t look good.”
“She’s lost a bit of weight. We’re going to dinner tonight. Do you want to come?”
I sigh. “I don’t think she wants to see me. Not after what I told her the last night we spoke.”
“I think she does. I told the receptionist to not tell her who was asking for her, and her face fell when she saw it was me. I’m sure she thought it was going to be you. Just come and talk to her. I know she would really like to be able to talk to you. She’s chicken shit and too stubborn to call you first.”
I chuckle. “Yes, she is stubborn, that’s for damn sure.”
“How about this. I’ll go to dinner with her. If the evening is going all right, and I think she wants to see you, then I’ll call you and you can stop by.”
“Tait, why are you so willing to help me out? I’ve been an ass to you since we met her.”
“I’m not doing this for you; I’m doing it for her. She’s a beautiful woman, and she deserves to be happy. I see how she looks at you. She’s in love, even if she can’t admit it.”
My heart is hammering in my chest. She’s in love with me. Or Tait seems to believe it anyway. “Tait, would you be willing to give me your reservation tonight, so we can have dinner alone?”
“I’ll bring her and walk her to the table so she can’t bolt. You two deserve one another, and I want you to be happy. Listen though, Caleb, if she doesn’t want you or if she asks you to leave, I expect you to do it without questioning her. I don’t want to kick your arse, but I will if it’s to protect her.”
“I will, you have my word.”
“I think this version of Caleb is better. You’re not a giant dick. I hope you keep this side of you. I could be friends with him,” Tait teases me.
“If she forgives me, you and I are going to become friends. Any friend of hers is a friend of mine.”
“Here’s to friendship then.”
I make it over to the restaurant and check in with Tait’s reservation. The table he reserved is in the back, away from prying eyes and ears, and I am grateful for that. I hear Tait before I even see him, and I stand, holding my single red rose. She peeks out from around Tait, and her green eyes lock with mine. I see her chin quiver, and I know she is fighting back tears. I take a step forward, and she takes a small one back.
“Tait, why is he here?” she quietly asks.
He grabs her hand gently, keeping her from moving too far away. “He’s here because I invited him. The two of you need to talk, and since we already had the plans, I gave him our table instead. Just listen to him, and if you need me to, I’ll come pick you up.” He pushes her toward me, and I fight the urge to wrap her up in my arms and bury my head in her hair.
“Hi, Quinn.” I hold the rose out for her, and she takes it, a smile gracing her lips.
“Thank you.”
“Would you like to sit?” I pull her chair out for her and wait until she sits, then I help her push it in. Taking my seat opposite her, I watch as her eyes lower to her water glass. “Please don’t look away from me. I’ve missed you so much, Quinn.”
