Page 156 of Sassy Love
Maybe the degree of separation is better. I can be of more help if I’m not too close...
Despite the self-reassurance, something churns in my gut. Because this feels a lot like those walls of hers are going back up.
She’s hurting. Instead of leaning on me, letting me in to help take care of her and Millie, I’m on the outside.
Possibly, I’m reading too much into this.
Or not.
Nope. This is not about me. This is about Millie and Carlie... and Henry?
Confused and hoping this isn’t the start of the end, I sink into one of the chairs outside the family room. Like they knew not everyone who walks these halls is privileged to be included. Not everyone fits.
That is a kick to the chest.
I force the worry from my head, trying my best to think of anything but being without her. Not being the person she wants around no matter what. I set my coffee on the floor at my feet and run my hands through my hair.
Christ.
The seat vibrates. No, my phone is vibrating in my back pocket.
I pull it out to find Serelle calling.
How did she find out about Millie? Did Carlie already fill her in?
I slide to answer. “Hi, Serelle.”
“Lawson. Thanks for picking up on a Sunday.”
Her voice sounds off.
“No worries, what’s happening?”
“I don’t really know how to say this, so I’m going to say it plainly. I couldn’t be more disappointed. Honestly, this is not how I imagined hiring you and Carlie would end. I will see the both of you in my office first thing tomorrow morning. You better have one hell of an explanation for this.”
Without another word, the line goes dead.
Christ all-fucking-mighty.
Chapter 39
CARLIE
“I’m not leaving her, Lawson. You go and sort it out. I’m not leaving.”
His blue gaze studies mine before he nods. “I’ll take care of it.”
I have Millie’s fine, frail hand wrapped in both of mine. She’s only been out of surgery a couple hours, and it’s six a.m. on Monday morning. The steady beep of the machines feeding her drip whir with a reassuring rhythm.
Apparently, our plan to fund Serenity with a gala and fly under the radar with our dirty little sponsor secret didn’t hold out.
Someone in the wealthy circles in attendance probably spilled. Hell, they wouldn’t even have known they were doing it.
Nobody knew the stakes for Serenity apart from Lawson and me.
I would go to bat for the House, I really would, but my priority lies in this hospital bed beside me.
This time, the cowboy will have to ride alone. I have full confidence he can salvage this. He’s a brilliant business manager and even better people person.
