Page 129 of The Proposal
My screen is filled with texts. I ignore them all except for the top one.
Renn: I’m worried about you. I know you want space, and I understand. I can’t imagine how you feel, and it kills me that I don’t know. I’m trying to balance honoring your wishes and following my heart. I need to hold you. Please, call me.
Renn.
I want to talk to him. I want to make this all okay between us. But I don’t know what to say … or if I can make it work between us.
I can’t imagine how you feel, and it kills me that I don’t know. I’m trying to balance honoring your wishes and following my heart. I need to hold you.
That’s what I want too. Renn’s arms.
I’ve never wanted to be held more.
We’ll have to talk. I know that. I want that. But not at three in the morning. Not when my hand is throbbing. Not when my eyes are so heavy.
Texting is hard, but I manage.
Me: I’m confused and scared. That’s honesty. My hand hurts. My pride is bruised, too. I’m sorry for whatever happened after I left. I know I’m not responsible, but my heart hurts for you, anyway. Maybe I am responsible for leaving. I’m just trying to do the right thing. We haven’t been alone since we got married. Maybe we should think about this. In the words of the great Ella St. James, there’s a difference between a fling, feelings, and forever. I’m just not sure where we fall. Good night, Renn. Xo
I drop the phone and fall back asleep.
CHAPTER28
Renn
Ireread her text.
Blakely: I’m confused and scared. That’s honesty. My hand hurts. My pride is bruised, too. I’m sorry for whatever happened after I left. I know I’m not responsible, but my heart hurts for you, anyway. Maybe I am responsible for leaving. I’m just trying to do the right thing. We haven’t been alone since we got married. Maybe we should think about this. In the words of the great Ella St. James, there’s a difference between a fling, feelings, and forever. I’m just not sure where we fall. Good night, Renn. Xo
I’ve read it so many times that I can recite it from memory.I’m confused and scared. I close my eyes.Me too.
“Here you go,” Gannon says, shoving a cup of coffee before me. “You look like you need it.”
“Thanks.”
I sit up and breathe in the aroma as Mom and Bianca enter. They settle around my dining room table.
We’re somber. I don’t think we slept much—all for individual reasons. Bianca stayed with Mom. Gannon went to the office at Mom’s bequest. I was up all night worrying about Blakely.
I called her twice this morning, forgetting the time difference. She didn’t answer anyway.
“Where are Tate and Ripley?” Bianca asks.
“They flew to Miami this morning. Tate has a meeting this afternoon, and Ripley tagged along. They should be back tonight,” Jason says.
Our sister nods.
Mom slips on her glasses. They do nothing to hide the circles under her eyes. She picks up a legal pad. “Okay, let’s get to it. I have a locksmith headed to my house this morning, as well as the security company. All keys and codes will be changed by lunchtime.”
“Good,” Gannon says.
“I have a meeting with my attorneys at noon,” she says. “Your father will try to maintain some stake in this company, but I assure you, he has no leg to stand on. Gannon, would you be able to attend with me? And do you have the financial reports from the last quarter?”
“I can, and I do.”
“Excellent.” Mom turns the page. “Bianca, you’re the interim president. Everyone will report to you. That’s a lot, I know, and I’ll get you help. You won’t have you as backup.”
She smiles. “Take a look at Daniel Blue. He might be a good candidate.”
