Page 34 of Inked Beasts

The selection of swimsuits is down to one small rack in a back corner at this time of year, so I decide to look online for that. I buy a few work outfits, with a lot of versatile mix-and-match pieces, and a couple of casual items for relaxing. The lingerie department catches my eye on the way to the register, but I resist.

Maybe I’ll come back for that after my first paycheck.

For dinner, I go down to the hotel’s restaurant. I can’t deny that I’m hoping to see Thorn again, but he doesn’t appear. It’s probably his night off, or maybe he’s just busy in the kitchen.

I’m disappointed, but I tell myself it’s a good thing. I really do need this alone time to process my thoughts.

For better or worse, the evening brings even more alone time.

I was sure Kai would call, or maybe Gage, but I don’t hear from either of them. This bothers me more than I want to admit, and I’m too restless to settle down to read or even watch a movie.

I’m staring blankly at the view from my sliding glass door when my mom calls. The high-pitched tone of her voice is half an octave shy of panic. “Lexy, what’s going on? Where are you?”

“I’m okay, Mom. Everything’s fine.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m still in Nevada. Sorry, I should have told you.”

She lets out a long breath, and then her voice is noticeably more relaxed, though still edged with concern when she asks, “Why are you still there?”

“Scott and I broke up.”

“I figured that out this evening when he showed up on my doorstep with a box of your stuff. He seemed to think you might be here. What are you still doing there?”

I step out onto the patio for some fresh air to counteract the flare of anger at Scott. “We broke up here at the wedding. He had no business bothering you.”

“He was okay. Just took me by surprise, is all. He said when he got home from work, most of your stuff was cleared out, and he figured you did it. He brought over some things that were still there.”

Hillary must have gone to our place, I think. Then I mentally correct myself.Hisplace.

“How kind of him.” I can’t keep the irritation from my voice, though I suppose he didn’t do anything wrong in this particular situation, as long as he wasn’t harassing my mother.

“Are you okay, Lexy?” Her voice is soft now, like a hug.

But actually, it’s amazing how very much okay I am. “I’m fine. Really. The breakup was ugly but brief. I’m still in Vegas because there was a hotel owner at Dad’s wedding who offered me a wedding planner position at her resort. It’s just temporary, but the timing was perfect.”

“You’re no longer working for Scott’s family?”

“Apparently my employment with the Peytons was contingent on my relationship with him.”

“That’s not right.”

“It’s for the best, really. Also, I’ve been catching up with old friends here.” I pause for a moment, during which I decide not to elaborate. “It’s a nice change of pace.”

“How long do you think you’re going to stay there?”

I let out a sigh. “I’m not sure. I’m not really making any plans right now.”

“You, not making plans? Are yousureyou’re okay, Lexy?” Affectionate laughter accompanies her words. She knows me so well.

“I’m fine. Really. I promise.”

Confident that she’s finally reassured, I ask how she’s doing and we catch up on a few small things before we click off. A missed call notification shows up; I hadn’t heard it come in while I was talking.

It’s Scott. It doesn’t appear that he left a message, but a few moments later, a text appears.

A long text.

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