Page 48 of Absolution

She sighed. “I don’t know if I’m ready to deal with her disappointment. I can guarantee she’s going to make me meet her in person and we’re going to a meeting. I don’t know that I’m physically, or emotionally, there yet.”

I tipped her chin up. “I’ll be there with you every step of the way. You can lean on me for strength, but Gina, you are going to call her. It’s what you need.”

She nodded, because she knew I was right. “Yes, sir.”

“Come out to the living so at least you can be a little more comfortable. I’m sure you two will have a lot to talk about.”

I followed her into the next room and while she settled onto the couch I grabbed a bottle of water and some tissues. After the conversation with Bridget I was better prepared for what she might need. I’d returned to the living room just as Sonia answered.

“Hey, it’s me.”

Whatever was said on the other end caused tears to well in Gina’s eyes. I handed her a couple tissues, and she quietly wiped her eyes with a watery smile of thanks.

“Yeah, I’m doing okay. It’s been a rough week.”

Blindly, she reached for my hand. I met her halfway, and she clutched it like a lifeline to keep herself from drowning in emotions.

“Yes, Leo’s here with me. I told him you’d want to meet somewhere.”

She nodded absently. “He understands.”

There was another pause. “Yes ma’am. We’ll be there. See you soon.”

Gina ended the call and sniffed back more tears. I gave her a few minutes to collect herself.

“She wants us to meet her at A Whole Latte at three. Then we’re going to a meeting.”

I glanced at the clock. That gave us about thirty minutes before we needed to be there.

Scooting closer, I brushed her hair back and wiped a streak away. “Okay, I want you to go wash your face. Take a few extra minutes to get ready. Don’t rush. While you’re in there, I’m going to check in with Connor. Then we’ll head over there. Everything is going to be alright. I’m here for you, remember?”

Gina nodded and disappeared into her room, while I made a quick call to Connor who said there was nothing new to report. I cussed in frustration. Gideon was really starting to piss me off.

A few minutes later she returned.

“You ready?”

“Not really.”

Threading our fingers together, I brought our joined hands up and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “You can do this.”

Twenty minutes later I parked in front of the coffee shop. Thankfully it wasn’t too busy this time of day, so the two women should have some privacy to talk. As soon as we stepped through the door, I was assaulted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I wasn’t much of a java drinker, but I’d always loved the smell of it.

From the other side of the cafe, an older woman with dark red hair that was clearly dyed waved us over. She reminded me of Peg Bundy. When Gina reached her, the woman pulled her into tight hug and whispered something in her ear. They sat down and Sonia gestured for me to join them. She stared me down when I sat.

“You must be Leo.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I’m sure none of it good.”

She snorted. “You’re probably right.”

I noticed Gina’s tell-tale nervous gesture of rubbing the seam of her skirt, so I reached over and threaded our fingers. She glanced up at me with a startled look, and immediately I saw some of the tension bleed from her.

When I returned my attention back to Sonia, she had a satisfied smile on her face and sent me a short nod that I took for approval before turning her attention back to Gina.

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