Page 40 of Trusting the Fall
“The office above me had a pipe burst. It came through my ceiling and flooded the floor. Trevor just called me. I have to go there.”
“Okay, babe.” She nods. “Let’s go. Have you called a ride?” I shake my head, and she turns to Caleb.
“I’m sorry, I need to go.” He steps into her, holding a gentle hand around her arm.
“Can I help with anything?”
Lex shakes her head. “I just need to get my friend to her salon. Let her assess the damage.”
“I can drive you. I brought my car.”
Now, I’m an independent woman, but I’m also a desperate woman. I’m not feeling too inclined to deny this guy’s penchant to play white knight if it means I can get to the salon quicker.
“I don’t want to put you out. Who knows how long we’ll need to be there,” Lex says, and I squeeze her hands where they still hold mine, hoping she understands the gesture ofshut up and let the man help.
“You’re not putting me out. Please.” There is such sincerity in his words. “Let me help.”
Lex looks over at me, so I pinch my brows and widen my eyes in pleading, delighting when she starts nodding.
He bends down to whisper something in her ear, causing a blush to coat her cheeks that I can see even in the dim lighting of the club.
And that’s the last time I smile for the night.
To: [email protected],
From: [email protected]
Subject: MAJOR CRISIS
LEE!!!
Major water damage at the salon! It’s like a sailor returning home to an untouched wife in here!! We are at DEFCON ONE! I repeat, DEFCON ONE!
Emergency plumber is here sealing off the busted pipe. I feel like Alice in Wonderland swimming in her tears right now. I need you here first thing Monday to talk me down and tell me it’s OKAY! PLEASE!
Claire
18
Fucked.It’sallfucked.
The ceiling panels in front of the treatment rooms collapsed, and now three centimetres of water cover the entire floor of the salon. And my whitewashed floorboards? Completely ruined.
I’ve emailed Lee to meet me here first thing Monday to assess the damage and figure out a plan on how to fix it.
I head over to Lex and Caleb when I finish talking with Trevor. He’s going to stay until the plumbers are done and contact building management to see what we do about the repair costs.
I watch with a soft smile as I take the lovebirds in, flirting easily with each other, looking relaxed and playful.
Lex has a hand on Caleb’s chest, and he holds it there like he wants to keep her.
It’s exactly the kind of thing she would need if she put her heart out there. Someone who shows her how much he wants to stick around.
“Well, there’s nothing we can do now. The plumber has stopped the water, and they’ll finish removing the excess. Trevor’s going to stay until they’re done, and I’ve reached out to my contractor to meet me here on Monday.”
“Sorry, babe. This entire project has been a real test of love on your part.”
I nod. “Yeah, but I know it’ll be worth it. So I’ll keep pushing through.” I shrug and turn to Caleb. “Thanks for driving us here, suit and tie.”
