Page 84 of Broken Rock

‘Hi.’

‘Hey. Sorry I missed your call. I’ve been locked in a room all day.’

‘Don’t worry. I just wanted to say thank you for today.’

‘How’d it go? Bria max out my credit card?’

‘Don’t even joke about that. I have no idea how much it all cost. Thank you, Tate. Between the art supplies and the dress I dread to think how much you’ve spent.’

‘The art stuff was a present and you wouldn’t need the dress unless you were saving my ass by tagging along. You get something you like?’

‘Like? Tate, I love it. They have to make a few adjustments. They said they’ll send it to the hotel in time for the awards.’

‘One less thing to lose on the way. So you’re all set?’

‘I think so. Bria arranged hair and makeup too. She just needs me to send her the details of where we’re staying.’

‘I’ll put Ellen in touch with her. Listen, I’m going to be tied up here for the next few days. I don’t think I’ll be able to get back. As much as I’d love to see you, I’ll be in the studio most of the time.’

‘Seriously, it’s fine Tate. Gran is back in a few weeks, and I’ve got a lot to do to get this place up to her standards by then.’

‘Don’t forget to take the dishes out of the cupboard over the fridge.’

Chloe pauses then remembers about stuffing things into random cupboards that first time he came up for coffee. ‘You saw me?’

‘Yeah. Please tell me you’ve dealt with them. They’re not still there, are they?’

‘I’m going to say no.’

‘Yeah, sounds like you need some time to sort it out. Hang on.’ He moves away from the phone but Chloe still hears him shouting, ‘For fuck’s sake, I’m coming!’

‘Got to go?’

‘Sorry. Gregg is threatening to beat Dillon with a keyboard. Can I call you tonight?’

‘Of course.’

‘Bye.’ He ends the call before Chloe gets a chance to say goodbye. As she stares at the end of the bed, she hates the empty feeling that follows. It doesn’t make any sense. She’s only known him a few weeks, but he’s got to her on so many levels. Sitting here thinking about him isn’t going to help with the dishes she had completely forgotten about until he mentioned it.

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