Page 109 of Brittle Heart

“I’m pretty sure that’s illegal, and if she finds out, she’ll feel betrayed. I don’t want to do that,” I say, biting my lip.

“Fine, do what you want. I’m going to call you, and you can decide if you want to pick up,” Clay says, getting out of the car and making his way toward the bar.

Halfway there, my phone starts ringing. If I’m honest with myself, I need to know what they’re going to talk about, even if it’s wrong. I pick up the call, put it on speaker, and watch through the car window as Clay puts his phone in the pocket of his uniform pants, muffling the sound slightly, but I can still hear the knocking on the glass.

Carolina comes to the door and opens it slightly, her voice muffled through the speakerphone. “What are you doing here?” she asks.

“Let me in. I thought maybe you needed someone to talk to,” Clay says, his tone gentle without his usual humor.

“It’s nearly two in the morning,” she points out. “Did Josh send you?”

Josh, not Joshua.That’s not a good sign.

“No, I genuinely thought you needed a friend, and since we’re the best of friends, I’m here,” Clay says, the smirk back in his voice.

“Whatever, I need to close up in the back. Come in,” she says, stepping away from the door and allowing him entry.

They move out of my view after she locks the door behind them, but I can still hear their conversation through the phone.

“Are you alone?” Clay asks, and there’s a rustling as if they’re walking.

“The kitchen staff just left. I’m usually the one who closes up and leaves last,” she says, and my stomach sinks.

It’s dangerous for her to be alone at this time. Closing up is when most robberies happen, and she’s a woman, alone.

“That’s pretty dangerous,” Clay echoes my thoughts.

She huffs in annoyance. “What do you want, Clay? I’d like to get some sleep before I have to get up in a few hours.”

I grip the steering wheel tightly, my worry intensifying as I hear how agitated she is.

“Let’s sit down. You can tell me what happened.” Clay’s voice becomes even more muffled, making me guess he’s taken a seat.

“What’s your poison? I need a drink for this,” she says, and my heart aches.

Is it that bad?

“How about some vodka shots?” Clay suggests, and the sound of glasses being set on a surface immediately follows. “Cheers,” Clay toasts, glass clinking before I hear Carolina cough. “Now, tell me everything.”

“So you can run to your best friend and spill exactly what I said?” There’s a hint of hurt in her voice.

“No, you’re my best friend too, remember? I’m Switzerland. I just know you need to talk, and I want to be there for you. I won’t tell Josh,” Clay reassures her.

I furrow my brow, wondering why he would lie to her like that. This will only make things worse.

“Promise?” she asks.

“Promise,” Clay says, and the line goes dead.

* * *

Clay

After ending the call, I put my phone back into my pocket, fully aware that Josh will be angry with me. But I can’t bring myself to regret it. I see the pain in Carolina’s eyes. She truly is my best friend, even though it’s new.

If Josh asked me to keep a secret, I would do the same for him. He’ll just have to get over it.

“Spill,” I say, grabbing the vodka bottle and refilling our shot glasses.

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