I trace the edge of the wolf sketch with my thumb.
I love him.
But I need the deal to die before I can tell him that. Right now there are still too many people with opinions. Too many headlines. And I’m still trying to prove I’m not what they said.
I put the papers back in the envelope and slide it into my tote bag.
Then I square my shoulders, pick up my pen, and go back to work like my heart isn’t sitting in my throat.
Worth
Willow’s is busy for a Thursday. I’ve got a black coffee going lukewarm in front of me and a clean line of sight to the counseling office across the street. Brianna is in there with Vanessa and the therapist for their “reconnection” session.
I still don’t totally trust Vanessa. But since court, she’s actually been showing up. On time, every week, no drama. She actually listens to Bri instead of talkingather. I don’t know if it was the judge, the custody order, or her realizing she was about to lose her kid for real, but she’s been serious about it. And if Bri’s getting something good out of it, then I can live with not understanding why the change happened.
The door chimes.
“Worth.”
I look up. “Tiana.”
She’s got a water bottle and a tote bag, looking like she stepped out of a lifestyle blog.
“May I?” she asks, nodding to the chair.
“Of course.” I pull it out.
Tiana sits, studying me for a second. “You look tired.”
“Thanks,” I retort sarcastically.
“You’re welcome,” she says with a wink. Then, “How are you, though?”
“Surviving.”
Her smile fades. “Why haven’t you called her?”
I wrap my hand around my cup. “I didn’t want her to feel cornered. She left for a reason. If I kept showing up, it would feel like I was making the choice for her.”
“That’s very considerate,” Tiana says. We sit in silence for a few moments before she continues. “Mya misses you. She’s not going to admit it, but I know my sister. I know when she’s pretending she’s fine.”
My chest tightens. “I miss her, too. Every damn day, I pick up my phone to text her and put it back down. I call and hang up before it rings. But she wanted the deal over, so I’m trying to respect that.”
Tiana tilts her head. “Respect is good. Silence… not always.”
I take a breath. “I sent her the papers today.”
Her brows lift. “You did?”
I nod, staring into my coffee. I’ve closed a lot of deals—never hated one like I hated this one.
“Mya told me she’s going to Paris,” Tiana says.
I exhale. “Yeah. Griff asked if he could move her onto the project. She was the best person for it, so I said yes.”
“Reluctantly,” she guesses.
“Yes.”