She talks about her vision for the house, and I dutifully take notes as Russ trails behind us, no doubt waiting for this chance to explain. I’m sure he had something to do with it. I was willing to move past what happened ten years ago. When I called him last time, I was pissed, but this is insane. Forcing me to take this project because he wanted to see me? That borders on stalkerish.
She lets me sit in the dining room to work on some ideas I have, and she wants me to show her something later today so we can fine-tune it. Russ comes and goes throughout the morning, and when lunchtime hits, I’m fading fast.
“Come on, you need some coffee, and Mum only buys the rubbish stuff. You also need some lunch; otherwise, you will never make it through the rest of your day.”
No. What I need is for you to leave me alone so I can finish this and get back to Tristan.“No, thanks. I’ll eat later. I want to get this done.”
I haven’t heard from him yet today, and I’m getting worried. I pull my phone out and send him a quick message.
Me:Haven’t heard from you. Hope your mom is doing okay. I miss you.
I lock my phone, and he snatches it from my grasp. I pop my mouth open in surprise and stand just as quickly, holding out my hand.
“Give me my phone, Russ,” I chastise.
“Not until you take a break and have some lunch with me. My treat. I want to be able to talk to you.”
I march toward him and stand on my tip-toes as he holds it high above my head and out of reach. I smack him in the chest when he doesn’t lower his arm.
“You’re giving me my phone back, now!” I toss my hands up in the air. “I don’t have time for this. I want to finish these designs and head to my hotel for the night. I’ve barely slept, and I’m jet-lagged.”
He quiets his voice. “All the more reason to get food in your system. I just want to have a meal with you. I’m not trying anything.”
My phone buzzes, and he looks at the I.D. He makes a face and holds it out for me to take. I snatch it out of his hand and open the message from Tristan.
Tristan:No news yet. She’s still in a coma. I’m going over there in a little bit, so I’ll keep you updated. Thanks for asking. I miss you, too.
Me:I’ll call you when I’m at the hotel for the night. Boy, do I have a story for you...
I place my phone in my purse, away from Russ’s grabby hands, and sit back down to work on a few more sketches. He sits in the chair next to me and watches me work, staying perfectly silent. I don’t know if it’s the fact he’s sitting here watching me, or that he’s so silent while doing it, but I’m so irritated.
I huff and drop my pencil, fold my hands on my drawing, and glare at him. “If I go to lunch, will you leave me alone?”
He places his hand over his heart and smiles. “I promise.”
* * *
Eight o’clock and it feels like two in the morning. I am so tired and so happy to be able to lie down and get some sleep. Lunch with Russ wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. He gave me a chance to rip him a new ass hole, and then he cleared the air between us. I still don’t fully forgive him, but I’m willing to try to move pastsomeof it.
I want to call Tristan and get an update on everything. He picks up just before it goes to voicemail, and I can hear people talking in the background.
“Hey, babe,” he answers, sounding happy.
“Hey. You sound happy. Good news, I hope?” I stifle a yawn as I listen to him speak.
“Yeah, Mom woke up this afternoon. She seems to be on the mend, but she has a lot of broken bones and won’t be back up and running for another few months.” I can hear his smile and relief over the phone.
“Tristan, that’s great news. I’m so happy she’s going to be okay.”
“Me too. So, you have a story you want to share with me?”
“Boy do I ever.”
I change into my pajamas as I tell him all about how Russ called my office, stating Simone only wanted me to take the account. Simone didn’t even know about it and was just as surprised as I was when I showed up at her house. I go on to tell him about how Russ apologized for his behavior as well.
“That’swhat he told you?” He scoffs. “God, he’s so full of shit, Lana. He was doing more than giving me updates out of the goodness of his heart. He did it to torture me. And he said you were great. Who says that unless they mean in bed?”
Not that I think Russ is innocent, but this wouldn’t be the first time Tristan had it out for Russ. “You’re making a big deal out of this. Is it possible you misunderstood him? It wouldn’t be the first time you thought you heard something or saw something you didn’t.” I wince, knowing that cut deep, and his silence confirms it. I sigh and rub my forehead. “I didn’t call to fight. I’m glad your mom is okay and is on the mend. I’m going to get some sleep. I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”
