Page 15 of Playing For Keeps
“This isn’t about winning. It’s about making things right. Clearly, I need to do more work on myself.”
“What does that have to do with it?”
“Having her come back to Efron Worldwide won’t set me up for success. If anything, it will deter me from any progress I’ve made because I’m treating her like she’s a prize.”
“Sheisa prize.”
“Not that kind of prize. She’s in love with Jamison. Their connection is something indescribable. And I’m not saying that because it feels good.” I rub my aching chest. “It breaks me in two admitting that, but I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”
“What exactly have you seen?”
“They can’t be separated. When they are, everything gets fucked up. Just look at this very situation if you need proof for yourself.”
He clenches his teeth as he breathes deeply. “They can’t be together.”
“Why?” I tilt my head and stare hard into his eyes.
“Because they can’t be.” His cell phone rings.
He takes it out of his pocket and glances at the screen. His eyes squint in confusion. He shakes off a thought, taps the screen, and brings the phone to his ear.
“Hello.” He listens for a moment. “Who?”
His expression drops, and he goes white as a ghost. “You have my attention.”
He stalks to the window where Dorothy used to love to look out at the city. The energy around Aiden pulses thick with mounting pressure. His shoulders broaden, yet his head remains down.
Who is he talking to?
There’s a knock on my door.
Lousy timing, but then again, I should’ve told Aiden sooner this was going to happen. I take my time answering itfor fear that not only will I be a referee, but I’ll also be an opponent of my guests.
I take a stabilizing breath and open the door. “Melanie, Jamison, I’ve been expecting you.”
“What’s the news?” His eyes speak of his devastation. Dark circles are forming under the sockets, and they’re bloodshot.
“Why don’t you and Melanie come in? We can go over the specifics inside.” I dip my chin at Melanie. “It’s nice to see you. Dorothy will want to have everyone she loves around her when she returns.”
Jamison cuts in. “Does that mean you have more information about her whereabouts?”
I swing the door all the way open. “Come in and we’ll talk.”
Melanie waits for Jamison. “You first. I don’t want to be in the middle of some hairy fight.”
He nods and stomps into my foyer. He spots Aiden by the window in seconds. His jaw twitches as he turns fire red.
A burst of heat erupts in my chest. “Aiden’s on a call. When he’s done, I’ll fill you in on all we know.”
Melanie takes Jamison by the arm and leads him into the sitting area near the bar. She says something to him I can’t make out.
With clenched fists, he turns his head toward Aiden. His back is to me, but I can only imagine the glare he’s shooting in Aiden’s direction.
Damn, this is going to be rough. I just hope we all make it out without tearing each other apart. That thought raises my blood pressure, but it’s the least of my worries.
Dorothy’s life is hanging in the balance, and I can only pray she makes it out alive. I haven’t let myself go to her dying, but anything is possible with my sinister mother in charge.
“Can I get either of you some coffee?” I point to the pot.
