Page 50 of The Sound Of Silence

Mom’s face drops and she comes across offended. “With me?” she says with a pout as Maeve rubs her arm to comfort her.

Goddammit. “Withanyone,” I stress, because it’s true. “I’m sorry, Mom. It was a long time ago. I promise, I’mfine.”

I am. Mostly. It’s actually the least of my worries right now.

Chapter Twenty-One

Jesse

I’manxiousasIcontemplate the best time to discuss what’s on my mind with Pippa. But when she walks out of her room and immediately starts making plans for our remaining days, I decide that time is now.

“Can we head home straight after the workshop tomorrow?” I blurt, cutting Pippa off.I've done my bit, it's time to go.

“What?!”Pippa spins around so quickly she has to grip the wall for support.

She’s standing before me in her pajamas—a revealing barely-there silk camisole and shorts—but I feel nothing. She’s gorgeous, and her tits are practically on full display, but I don’t even get a twitch. It would be so much easier if I had feelings forher. It’s a much safer option than where my mind keeps drifting.

Ignoring her state of undress, I move to join her in the kitchen and grab a bowl for dessert, acting as if what I said was a completely reasonable request. All the while I feel her eyes boring into the side of my face as she waits for more information.

“I got a text from Coach when you were in the shower,” I lie. “He needs me home.” Another lie. “It’s important.” Lies, lies. So many lies.

Pippa’s brows dip and she plays with the ends of her hair. “Graham texted you during the off season?”she questions, knowing that’s unlikely, but I stick with my story.

“He did,” I say as confidently as I can. “Are you happy to go? Or should I make my own way?”

“Your own way?” she mocks, her arms crossing in front of her, pushing her tits up until they peek out of her top.And yet…still nothing.

“I’m a resourceful man,” I say, even though I have no idea what I’ll do if she says no.

“No one is driving you ten hours.”

“I’ll hitchhike.” I’m bluffing and she knows it.

“Stop being a dick. When does he need you?”

“Tuesday?” I croak out but it sounds like a question.

“Ugh. I guess we don't have a choice then. Okay. We’ll leave straight after the workshop tomorrow morning.”

Thank fuck.It may only be a day early, but it’s a win.

Smiling, I pat her head on my way past before walking into the bathroom and throwing my things in my bag. “Thanks for being a team player, Pip,” I call out and wait for her to chuckle.

Right on cue, she starts to laugh but pauses. “Ugh. Why didn't I cash in on the favor I now owe you. Is that still an option?”

“Nope. It’s way too late for that.”I laugh when she groans, my mood now lifted.

Willow doesn’t come home that night until I’m lying on the couch attempting to sleep, and if Pippa hadn't told me where she was, I know it would have kept me up, wondering if something was wrong. When I really shouldn’t care.

Closing my eyes, I pretend to be dead to the world as she walks past. Lucky I did, because she pauses right near me, and I swear I can feel her intense gaze before she moves on, allowing me to finally breathe again.

After another sleepless night, I wake early and finish packing my things before heading out to get Pippa a coffee. She’ll be better company if she’s caffeinated.

A bell chimes over the door at the diner, and the sound makes my body tense like never before. Fucking bells. The sooner I get back to San Francisco the better.

Since it’s still early, the place is quiet, but when I notice Tate in a back booth, I contemplate turning around and braving Pippa’s pissy mood.I was certain he’d be gone by now. Heshouldbe gone by now. But so should I.

“Hey Robin! Fancy seeing you here,” Tate calls out before I can leave.

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