Page 84 of Blinding Lights

Though, my lack of concern could have something to do with the adrenaline coursing through me. While my talk with Lily isn’t going to be easy, the fact that I get to see her again is a high I’ve never experienced before.

I smile as I step outside the terminal and meet the driver dropping off my rental, thanking him for being on time. As soon as I’m settled in the car, ready to go, my mom texts, as if she has a built-in radar that tells her when I’m close.

MOM: I’m sorry about the game last night. Please tell me you’re not spending New Year’s Eve alone. Where are you?

I knew it. She’s on to me. But I half expected her to ask about my stomach issues. She must have missed the interviews. I know Henley missed them or she would have been calling me over and over until I picked up.

ME: Do you have a tag on me? I’m currently leaving New Orleans International. I’m here to see Lily but I’ll come by the house tomorrow.

MOM: You’re here? Good. I guess that means you’re over your illness. Have a good night.

ME: I’m much better, thanks.

I huff out a laugh. Turns out she did see my interview and I wasn’t as convincing as I thought. If she believed I was sick, she would have called last night.

Throwing my phone into my bag, I finally head on my way and quickly discover my luck has run out. It’s busier than I expected as I drive down the main street of Clairmont toward The Bookish Aroma, and I’m forced to park farther away than I’d like. Pulling my hat low, I rush toward the store having no idea what time they close for New Year’s Eve. I’m praying Lily’s still there.

The open sign’s still out when I arrive, giving me a chance to inhale a deep breath before heading inside. Adrenaline may have gotten me here, but now that it’s go time, I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to say.

Or even if I’m ready.

Chapter Twenty-Four

LILY

A text from Henley comes through as I’m opening the store, making me laugh. You’d think I was a child with the way she keeps checking in on me, but I appreciate how much she cares.

HENLEY: I hope you have a great day. If you need anything, I’m only a call away.

No matter how many times I tell her I’m okay, she doesn’t believe me. And while that might have something to do with the fact that she can see through my façade, I should be okay. Beckett and I had only a handful of moments. That’s all.

So what if it was a little life-changing? That doesn’t mean my life should change now that it’s over. It’s been a week. I am okay. I am. And I’ll prove it.

ME: I need you to work today. I’m not in the mood.

I smile at my joke message, then immediately regret it when I see Henley typing. She’s going to see through that too.

ME: I’m kidding. Obviously. I’m fine. I promise.

HENLEY: You know I’d do it. I could be there in an hour.

ME: I know, but I’m all good. I’m looking forward to working today. Enjoy your New Year’s Eve. I’ve got this.

After I turn my phone to do not disturb, I throw it on my desk before busying myself with menial tasks—straightening displays, prepping gift bags—getting ready for the morning rush that seems to always occur around ten a.m. like clockwork.

Sure enough, at ten minutes past, my first customer arrives, and it’s a constant flow for the next few hours, the workload thankfully keeping me out of my head.

I’ve just finished bluffing my way through a cowboy romance conversation—and surprisingly making a sale—when my obnoxious ringtone blares over the speaker. My customer startles and I rush to apologize, forcing a grin as I walk her out.

“Have a nice day.”

My grin widens until she’s gone and the smile drops from my face in time with the door clicking shut behind her. In an instant, panic sets in. There are only five numbers that override my do not disturb while I’m at work. Henley, my parents, Trudy—in case she has Ava—and Travis for the same reason. And that’s not Henley’s ringtone.

Running back to the office, I slide across my desk and grab my phone just as it stops ringing, sighing in relief when I see that it’s Trudy.

Ava’s with my mom today.

I turn to walk away, making a note to call her back later, when my phone rings again.