He wiped his mouth with his napkin and nodded, swallowing his mouthful of ice cream before answering. “Yeah, actually, he texted me at the counter. He’s coming home tonight to stay.”
I breathed out. The guys hadn’t been answering me all day. I assumed they were busy with whatever was happening at the hospital. Not wanting to bother them when I knew they were already stressed, I hadn’t pursued chasing them down. I knew they’d reach out when they got some time.
“Did he say what time?”
He shook his head. “Not really. Just said later.”
“Well, if you want, you can drop me off at home to go out with your friends. I don’t mind you taking a night off.”
“Not happening. I’ll go out when Fox relieves me.”
“Ani, you’re tired too. The guys and I run you ragged. It’s not fair to you?—”
“I’m happy to be doing this. Plus, I get to spend time with my favorite person. What else do I have to do? Go home and watch TV alone in my empty apartment?” He shook his head. “Trust me. I’m more than happy to be helping out.”
I sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to relent.
“Have you spoken to, um, your dad?”
“No. Let’s talk about something not related to the world we’re in. Something fun. I’m supposed to be distracting you. I’m failing.”
I studied him as he continued to eat his ice cream, noting how tired and sad he looked. I hated that he did. All I wanted to do was pull him close and tell him everything would be OK. He wasn’t the sort of person to show his emotions or the things bothering him. I wish he’d open up more because I was sure I could help him. Or Fox could, since they’d gotten close the last few weeks.
“Um, I-I think I have Cole and Enzo talking about getting a cat.”
Anson snorted. “Yeah? I’m surprised they didn’t give you one sooner. You strike me as a cat person.”
“Do I?” I cocked my head at him, a smile touching my lips. “I’ve always wanted one. My dad never let me. Or a dog. Or even a fish or hamster.” I sighed and shook my head. “I’d really like a cat.”
“I’m sure you’ll get one. Maybe we can go to the shelter and look at them.”
“And if I adopted one and just brought it home, I know they wouldn’t make me get rid of it.” An idea formed in my mind. Honestly, I was lonely. Sure, I had Ani and the guys, but many nights I spent alone in my bed because the guys were out doing whatever they did. A cat might be nice to curl up next to.
“I don’t think that’s the right answer.” Anson offered me a gentle smile. “They need a say too.”
“They get a say in everything,” I grumbled, sadness filling me again. Knowing Fox would be home tonight offered me some comfort. I missed them all and the way things used to be. Something new seemed to pop up every day and throw things into a whirlwind.
“Eat your sundae, LeeLee. We can work on getting a cat after all this stuff dies down. I’m sure they’ll entertain the idea.”
I grumbled again but continued to eat my sundae. Anson changed the subject to music, making me smile. His voice changed, and his eyes lit up, telling me exactly how much he loved creating magic.
“I know a guy.” He finished off his sundae and completely focused on me. “His name is Alex Ryan.”
“Two first names?” I raised my brows at him, making him smirk.
“Yeah, technically three because his middle name is Jacob. That’s beside the point. He’s a big deal with Trackmaster.”
I put my spoon down and stared at him. “Trackmaster? As in Trackmaster Records?”
He nodded.
“H-how do you know him?”
He shrugged. “I get around. I meet people. Music has always been my life, so I situate myself in scenarios where I get to introduce myself.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Stalker?”
He snorted and shook his head. “No, I’m not a stalker. I know music is a big part of my life. A part of my future. I think it’s important to know these people.”
