Page 77 of Smash

I needed an out, some distance from Calder so I could get myself under control. So I stood. “I actually have some work to do. My boss keeps piling on manuscripts and projects.”

He frowned. “Okay.”

The lie bought me time, a Band-Aid that kept things from bleeding anymore at the moment. I went into the bedroom to work, while Calder went into the living room, and I heard him turn on some baseball game. Maybe I’d get lucky and he’d conk out on the couch.

I opened my laptop and stared at the manuscript for the better part of an hour, not really seeing anything on the screen. My mind kept circling back to one thing.

Calder had mentioned Rafe.

Dread knotted in my stomach. Had something happened? Had Rafe said something to him? Did he suspect…

No way in the world was I going to be able to relax without the answers, so I grabbed my phone, glanced at the half-open bedroom door, and shot off a text.

Talia: Did you say something to Calder?

The three dots jumped around almost immediately.

Rafe: No. Why?

Talia: He mentioned you.

A pause this time.

Rafe: In what sense?

I gnawed on my lip before responding.

Talia: He said you were also in a mood.

A full minute went by this time.

Rafe: Gee, I can’t imagine why.

Talia: I think he might suspect something.

Rafe: He doesn’t.

Talia: How do you know?

The dots jumped around almost as fast as my pulse.

Rafe: Because I’m not on the floor bleeding.

Footsteps caught my attention, and my heart lurched into my throat. I flipped my phone face down, or at least I attempted to, but I bobbled it in my hand. Calder pushed the door open just as I finally got it under control.

He looked between me and the cell and back. “Who were you texting?”

My heart pounded. “My mom.”

His jaw flexed. “What about?”

I forced a shrug. “Just my daily check-in.”

Silence stretched between us. I felt him trying to decide if he believed me. Eventually, he nodded. “How’s work going?”

“Good.” I shut my laptop. “I think I’m going to shower, though.”

“You showered this morning before work.”