Page 52 of Brittle Heart

“Hey boys, what’s going on?” she asks.

“Karen just told us why Del Moro is a total asshole to her,” Clay informs her.

“Oh?” Sophia raises an eyebrow at me.

“Yeah, no valid reason, just a grade-A bully. I know that type all too well,” Clay says, pulling out his phone. A second later, mine buzzes. “That’s my number. If you ever need anything, if he gets too close, or if you ever feel unsafe, you call me.”

He locks eyes with me, and my heart misses a beat before I remember that people say stuff like this all the time but hardly mean it.

I scoff. “Sure, whatever.”

Clay places his hand on my desk and leans in close until our noses are almost touching. “I mean it, Carolina. If you need me, you call.”

The fact that he’s calling me by my real name for the first time ever gives me pause, and I nod, dropping my gaze to my hands.

“So, are we grabbing something to eat?” Josh attempts to change the topic.

“Oh yes, I dreamed about spaghetti last night, and I absolutely need it now,” Sophia states.

“I think I know the answer, but I’m still gonna ask. You coming with us, Carolina? Please?” Josh asks, flashing me his dimpled smile.

“No, thanks. I’m gonna finish up here,” I say, and he nods.

“I won’t give up.” He winks at me.

Is he flirting?

No way.

But why must he be so cute, nice, and drop-dead gorgeous? Even after everything he witnessed?

“See you, Karen.” Clay reverts to his usual somewhat jerkish self, which I can’t deny I’m starting to like.

The guys are so caught up discussing their dinner plans that they don’t notice Sophia lingering behind.

“Carolina,” she starts softly, causing me to look up. The concern in her eyes is palpable. “You know, I noticed the lump earlier, although you did a good job trying to hide it.” I open my mouth to deflect, but she continues, “You don’t have to tell me everything or anything at all, really. But if you ever need to talk, you know I’m here, right?”

Swallowing hard, I nod. The sincerity in her eyes is hard to ignore. “Thank you. But it was just an accident.”

She approaches, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Even accidents can leave scars, visible or not. Always know you have people around who care…” She pauses, her gaze searching mine. “Are you okay?”

For a moment, I contemplate lying, saying everything’s fine. But with Sophia’s empathetic gaze on me, I murmur, “I will be.”

She doesn’t have to know it will take two years to get there.

“Whenever you’re ready, just spill the tea, sis.” She indicates my mug with a gentle smile, offering a moment of levity.

Feeling a little lighter, I manage a small smile. “Thanks.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Carolina

Donny saunters over as I’m wiping down the table left behind by the last patron. “Looks like it’s an early night tonight,” he says, “You can head home now. I still have some paperwork to sort out in my office, but I forgot my key. Give me yours so I can lock up later?”

I glance at him and then check the time. It’s only twelve thirty, but I won’t argue about getting some extra sleep.

Digging out my keys from my back pocket, I unhook the bar key and pass it to him.

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