“Really?” Maybe that wasn’t frost. Maybe it’s just Katherine’s New York accent coming through.
“I assume you’re coming out here to make a big apology?”
Ouch. But she’s not wrong. “I have to try. I miss him so much.” I miss all of them.
“For what it’s worth, I think Alex misses you, too.”
My heart pounds in my chest with longing and hope. “I probably should have tried to call him.”
“Some things are best done in person. You know, I absolutely believe in redemption. People make mistakes, especially if they’re listening to family. But when you’re in the wrong, you have to apologize as big or bigger than the amount of pain you inflicted. Alex didn’t deserve what happened to him.”
“No he didn’t. He’s a good and honorable man. And you’re right. I owe him an apology not because I miss him, but because I hurt him. Even if he doesn’t accept it, I still want to make it.” It’s the truth, but it will be so difficult to survive if he rejects me. Probably as difficult as it was for him when my uncle cut Alex’s ropes.
“Email me the details of your flight. Gabe will pick you up at the airport.”
I promise to send her the details as soon as I have a flight booked and thank her profusely for her advice and assistance. Now I just have to figure out how to make an apology as big as he deserves.
I breakoff from Katherine and Gabe to linger in the shadows. The grand opening crowd is much bigger than the one for the soft opening, but they still clump into groups. The butterflies in my stomach have grown to the size of dragons. My knees shake with every step and turn. If I run into Alex before I’m ready, I could fail miserably. No matter how hard I search, I don’t see him.
His lawyer, Zach, is standing next to the man who offered Stone a business card during my walk of shame. Blake, Eliot, and Cade are joined by Graci, the PT from the rehab place, Pierce, and another man who might be the infamous Reed. It’s almost too much pretty to take in at once. I slip out of their line of sight. Amy and Tyler have found Katherine and Gabe and they hare having an animated conversation. Gabe and Tyler laugh, so I hope it’s not about me.
“I wondered if you’d show up.”
I freeze, the air in my lungs turns to lead. Slowly, I will my body to turn and face Stone. He’s not surprised at all that I’m here. “Did you send me the invitation?”
“Did you come to make things right?”
“If I can.”
“Alex needs a sub for his demo.”
“I’m sure he’s had multiple volunteers.” There are dozens of beautiful women dressed far more daringly than I am in my short black skirt and leather bustier that laces up the front. I spent far too much on a top I might never wear again, but as Katherine reminded me, I only get one shot at this apology.
Stone has somehow led me to the bar. He pulls out a stool. “Hop up.”
This is a bad idea. Alex could spot me and I can’t hide. I do it anyway because a worse idea is arguing with Stone.
“This is Cassie.” A cute, curvy bartender gives me a sweet warm smile. She doesn’t look old enough to serve, but she must be.
“Would you like something to drink?” Cassie asks.
“No alcohol. She’s taking your place for the demo.”
“Oh, good.” Her relief is palpable. “How about a coke or water?”
“Water’s good.”
Cassie bustles around, and sets a glass of ice water with a lemon on the lip and a gold colored flexible straw in front of me.
I pick up the drink. “Even the water is fancy.”
“Delivery matters.”
I’m not dumb enough to think Stone’s talking about the water or event the club.
I nod and agree before sipping my water and searching the crowd for Alex once again.
“He’s not here yet. I’ll let you know when it’s time. You stay here with Cassie.”
