Page 149 of The Clinch
Nia glances over. “Good news?”
“A ride,” I say, lifting my phone a little. “A very well-timed one.”
Mateo looks offended. “From Midtown East in the middle of August? Take it and never apologize.”
Rebecca holds up one finger. “Agree.”
I smile and type back.
LIZ
That sounds amazing
Thank you
Her reply comes almost immediately.
EDEN
Perfect
I’ll swing by
Half an hour?
I slipmy phone into my bag and fall back into step with the others toward the elevators.
Two realities colliding.
The one I am trying to build.
And the one that already knows how to catch me—with Leo at the center of it, quiet and certain and far too easy to fall toward.
The elevator dings, the doors slide open, and Nia hooks her tote higher on her shoulder. “Come on. Walk down with us.”
I step inside with them. “I have half an hour.”
Maybe that’s enough for today. Or maybe I’m already stepping out of my own day and calling it practicality because being pulled toward him feels easier than building something new from scratch.
The afternoon lightis hard and bright, bouncing off glass and traffic and the pale stone of the hospital buildings when a black SUV eases toward the curb and flashes its hazards.
The passenger window slides down, and Eden leans over from the front seat, sunglasses pushed up into her hair.
“There you are,” she says. “Get in before you liquefy.”
I laugh before I can stop it. “You are the most beautiful person I’ve seen all day.”
“I know.” She grins. “Come on.”
I climb in, setting my tote and folder on the floor. The blast of air conditioning feels almost indecent after the sidewalk. The car smells faintly of leather, sunscreen, and some citrus product Nate must use when he gets it detailed.
“How was it?” Eden asks.
I let my head rest against the seat for a second. “A lot.”
Her mouth curves. “Intense?”
“They kept handing us folders and passwords and schedules. At one point, I think my brain left my body and watched from across the room.”
