Page 92 of Heart Strings & Hotlines
Images of Thane in my bed this morning make me pause.
“Busy. There’s a lot going on with the hotline, and there’s been a lot of new pressures lately.”
“I’m sure. You’ve built a multi-million-dollar business. There’s bound to be pressure.”
“Yeah.” I guess I’m about as good at confiding in her as she is in me. That’s probably why our friendship has worked so well—we don’t push—but that’s also why we exist on the periphery of each other’s lives. “Have you thought about my offer?”
“I have.” She doesn’t stare into the screen. “I— It’s a great opportunity. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted.”
I stare more intently at the screen. “But something’s holding you back.”Or someone.
“No, I, but…I need a little more time. It’s a major life change, and if I’m going to do it, I need to make sure I can handle it all. I’d never want to let you down.”
I know that’s not the whole truth. I wouldn’t have asked her if I thought there was any way she could let me down. No one is more invested in the success of my hotline than I am, but Rowan is a very close second.
“I understand. But I’ll need a decision soon.”
“I know. We—we’re having a talent show at the camp in a few weeks. You should come…see how far Sebastian’s kids have come.”
Something in her tone makes my heart pinch. She wants me there, but she’s unwilling to ask.
“What day?” I ask, pulling up my calendar.
“September fourth.”
That’s two days before Thane’s award ceremony. I’m nodding before I realize I’ve made a decision.
Her face softens as though she hadn’t expected me to make any effort at all.
“I’ll try to make it. I’m putting it in my calendar now.”
The mask she hides behind melts away. I’m finally seeing my friend happy, maybe for the first time, and I know what her answer will be with the hotline before she’s even realized it.
I should probably start brainstorming a backup plan for the hotline expansion.
“Great. Okay, I should get going. The kids will want lunch soon.” She seems more comfortable than I’ve ever seen her.
“You look good, Row. Happy.”
She tilts her head to the side, and I brace myself for a smart-ass comment, but it never comes.
“You too, Lottie. I’ll see you soon, okay?”
“Sounds good.”
I close out of the app before I’m ready, but I guess some things you truly have to figure out on your own.
“Lottie?” Mr. Carver’s voice echoes off the walls well before I see him enter the library.
“Mr. Carver,” Sharky scolds from the teen corner.
“Fire. At Thane’s. Thane. Boone.” He’s panting the words, but I heard every single one.
I spin toward Sharky. All the blood leaves her face, and I stand so quickly I get dizzy, so I grab the desk for balance.
“What?” Kara stands slowly, unsteadily, and Sharky reaches out to hold her.
I can’t form words.
