Page 4 of The Catch

"Of course. There's food in the fridge and you're welcome to snoop around for anything you need."

She nods. I turn to leave, but she stops me.

"Did I see that right?" she asks. "Did a beautiful someone go into the elevator with a pie?"

I study her. Anger still tightens her lips, and her shoulders remain weighted down by her sadness, but she's masking it well. A hint of humor brightens her eyes.

"Rebecca," I explain. "I told her we're over."

"She got the Bake and Bye treatment, then."

I raise an eyebrow. "Bake and Bye?"

"It's the breakup pies striking again. That's what Pablo calls them."

I snort. "You know me. Short flings only."

"Thank you for letting me stay," she says again in a small voice.

I hesitate one last time. I'm torn. I want to touch her somehow. A simple caress on her face, or a hand on her shoulder— anything that may be comforting to her.To us.

I shake my head. "Of course. We'll talk later. Rest, okay?"

I close her door, run to my closet, and grab the first set of joggers and hoodie I can find.

Jesus.

I dictate a text to Evie.

Saint: Super big major favor. Ames is at my place. Something to do with Aidan. That's all I know. Can I give her your number in case she needs anything? I can't have my phone with me while in training. Please??

Just as I grab my bag on the way out, I get Evie's response.

Evie: Sure, give her my personal number, but I'll have to interrogate you about this!! Be ready, Gael Santiago!

I leave her number on the kitchen island with a note.

My lungs seem to have grown ragged edges, and I rub my chest on the way down to the elevator. As soon as I am in my car, a feminine, slightly robotic voice announces I have an unread text from Pablo.

Pablo: Ames broke up with Aidan. It was ugly. She has nowhere else to go. She's on her way. Can you let her stay with you for a bit? Only until she gets her feet back under her. I owe you big time.

The text arrived forty five minutes ago. If I had seen it, things would have made a lot more sense.

The jagged edges in my chest roughen up, making it hard to breathe for a second, two.

It wasn't just a big fight. Ames is single—

And probably heartbroken, you asshole.

It's not the time to think about what it means for that old spark I had to trample away.

I dictate a text back at the first red light.

Saint: She can stay as long as she needs. You don't owe me a thing.

And neither does she.

Chapter 2