Page 102 of The Switch: A Friends To Lovers Romance

I chew on a fingernail. Dad’s face will probably stress Harry rather than help him, but it’s not like I can keep our father out of the loop. Even if they’ve got bad blood, we’re still family.

I dial Dad’s number. Listen to it ring. It’s so damn cold, but I’m numb with fear. Lydia Stuart fed me with crumbs of information. The picture I’m painting in my own head is worse than what she offered.

Is Harry dead? Dying?

What kind of accident was it?

Suddenly, there’s a click and then a feminine voice says, “Hello?”

My shoulders straighten. “Lauren?”

“Ben?” Her voice is husky with sleep. “Is that you? Why are you calling so late?”

I open my mouth, but no sound escapes. Lauren’s pretty face pops into mind—auburn hair, big green eyes, plump red lips. She was so close to marrying Harry. She broke his heart instead.

This was a bad idea. There’s no way my brother will want Lauren or Dad there while he recovers.

“Nothing.”

“Wait.” Lauren sounds brighter now, as if she’s just realizing what time it is and who I am. “What’s going on? Is something wrong?”

“No.”

“It’s been so long since I heard from you, Ben. Your father—”

“Is he up?”

“No, he’s sleeping. He had a hard day at the hospital.

I wince. “Don’t wake him.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s nothing.”

Lauren pauses a beat. The silence stretching between us is off-putting. Finally she whispers, “Ten years is a long time to avoid someone.”

I have a feeling she’s not talking about me. “Come on, Lauren.”

“Harry… is he okay?”

“I don’t know.”

“I should call him. Make up for what I did—”

“It’s better you didn’t.”

“Have you spoken to him lately, Ben?”

“Why?”

“I… had a weird dream the other day.” She sighs.

“What kind of dream?” I lean forward.

“It doesn’t matter. Just… let me know when you hear from Harry, okay? Tell him we’re worried about him and it’s time we move on.”

“I’ll think about it.” I hang up.

---