Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79438 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I stare at the lines on my father’s face while sucking in deep breaths of air.
“Start counting backward from a hundred by threes,” he orders.
“One hundred. Ninety-seven. Ninety-four. Ninety-one.” When I reach the seventies, the panic attack slowly retreats, leaving me drained of the little energy I had.
Jesus. What time is it?
I check my wristwatch, shocked when I realize it’s already after nine in the morning.
How long did I sleep?
Ellie brings me a cup of coffee, and I take a couple of sips before I say, “I have a flight in two hours. If I don’t get going, I’ll miss it.”
“You need to take some time off from work,” Dad argues.
“I’ll take a vacation after this trip. I’m heading out to all the branches. It can’t be postponed.”
“Christ, you’re in no shape to travel,” he mutters.
“I’ll sleep some more once I touch down in Texas,” I say so he’ll stop worrying. I set the mug down on the coffee table. “I still need to pack.”
And I need to talk to Lily.
Intense worry floods my chest about how she’s going to react.
Dad holds up a hand. “Naomi and I will go to your apartment and pack what you need, then I’ll take you to the airport.” He gestures to the window. “You damaged the car when you drove over the sidewalk.”
“Shit,” I mutter. I get up, and my head spins as I walk to the window and peek through the curtains. The left front wheel is fucked. “Sorry, Dad. I’ll have the car removed.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of everything. You have enough on your plate.”
I take a seat again just as Naomi comes into the living room. She leans over me, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You okay?”
No, I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus, and I’m worried about my woman.
I nod before drinking more of the coffee.
“We need to go to Callan’s place to pack for a business trip,” Dad informs Naomi.
“Okay.”
“Are you sure about going to my apartment?” I ask. “I don’t want to put you out.”
“Nonsense. Ellie will make you breakfast. We’ll be back soon,” Dad says.
“What do you need us to pack?” Naomi asks.
“I’ve set out the suits on my bed. Just add a couple of sweatpants and T-shirts. Also, grab my laptop. I left it on the coffee table in the living room.” I try to think what more to add, but thinking proves to be a challenge today. “My phone and laptop chargers. They’re somewhere in my bedroom.”
If I need anything, I’ll just fucking buy it.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Naomi says. “I’ll make sure to pack everything I think you might need.”
“Which means half the closet,” Dad teases her. “Where’s your keycard so we can get into your apartment?”
I gesture to where my jacket is lying over the back of Dad’s recliner. “My wallet is in the inner pocket.”
Dad gets the keycard before leaving the house with Naomi.
“What can I make you to eat?” Ellie asks, her eyes filled with worry.
I shake my head and hold the empty cup out to her. “Just more coffee, please.”
She takes the cup and heads to the kitchen.
Needing to call Lily, I get up and grab my jacket before sitting down again. I pull my phone from the inner breast pocket and unlock the device. Seeing all the messages and missed calls from Lily, I mutter, “Fuck, she must’ve been so worried.”
I open our chat and feel like absolute shit when I read the messages.
Lily: I’m so sorry about tonight. Please call me. I didn’t know anything. Please, Callan.
Lily: Are you okay? I’m losing my mind with worry.
Lily: Please don’t ignore me. Just tell me you’re okay.
Lily: Callan, please reply to my messages.
Lily: I didn’t know about the case or my father's part in everything. I didn’t know Theo was responsible for Dylan’s death. I would never have taken you there if I had known. Please believe me.
Lily: Just let me know you’re safe.
The last message was sent just after ten the night before.
Jesus fucking Christ.
I quickly press dial on her number, but it just rings before going to voicemail.
“Hey, baby. I’m so fucking sorry about last night. I’m at my father’s place. Let me know when you get the message so I can call you again.” I check the time on my wristwatch, then add, “I have to fly out at eleven-fifteen, but I’ll have my phone on, so call me anytime.”
Ellie enters the living room as I hang up, and I take the steaming mug of coffee with a grateful smile. “Can you get me some Tylenol, please?”
“Sure.” My sister darts away to retrieve the medication.
The headache grows stronger as I remember how I shouted at Lily before leaving her at the party, and I hang my head in shame.
I wish I could turn back time and stop us from going to that godforsaken party.