When I finally reach the hotel, I don’t linger in the lobby. I head straight to my suite.
The second the door clicks shut behind me, I lean back against it, dragging a hand down my face. I need a goddamn minute to breathe.
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I’m about to throw it onto the bed when I see the message.
Mya:
I’ll do it.
My heart rate races.
Do what?
Mya:
Your arrangement. I’m in.
Are you serious?
You don’t have to, Mya. It was stupid and entitled of me to ask.
Mya:
I want to help.
I don’t know what to say.
Her reply is instant.
Mya:
You can start by saying thank you.
Words aren’t enough to express how much this means to me, but I do as she says.
Something in my chest starts to loosen as I let out a rough exhale.
Mya:
Are you okay?
I hesitate. My instinct is to brush her off, keep the armor intact.
I’m fine.
Mya:
It’s okay not to be okay, Worth.
My jaw clenches. She’s right, but I’ve spent my entire adult life pretending I was made of steel—for Brianna, for myself, for this company. Weakness has never been an option.
I just can’t believe she’s going to barge back into Brianna’s life just like that. I don’t want her near my daughter, she’s already hurt her enough.
I stare at the words after I send them. I shouldn’t be admitting this shit to her.
Mya:
I don’t know how it feels to be a single parent, but from what I’ve seen, you’re doing great, Worth. And I’m sure anyone can see that.