But even back then, she wasn’t like this. She hadn’t seemed to be carrying this black cloud around with her.
“She’s… doing okay?” she asks, her words slow, deliberate. “After everything?”
“She’s finding her way,” I say carefully.
Her smile tightens again. “That’s good. I was worried after the articles about her, I feared the worst.”
The pause between us is thick with everything unsaid. Was she pissed that I had not made an attempt to get in contact after Mac’s accident? Or was she just resentful at having to go to work?
Then she leans in slightly, lowering her voice. “You know, Braden used to say you’d burn the world down for her. Said it with a laugh… but he meant it. We were so blessed to know the Smith’s, right?”
“I certainly think so.” I say, offering a smile back to Mac.
“Really? Didn’t you lose her once almost twice already?”
My throat closes for a beat. The hairs standing up at the back of my neck.
Lola studies me like she’s trying to peel back skin and see what’s underneath. “I wonder what you’d do if the world burned you first.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean, Lola?”
A flicker of anger flashes behind her eyes—real, pure. She covers it with a casual shrug, like it didn’t happen. “Well. Tell her I stopped by. I’d love to catch up.”
She turns, walking back down the steps with a sway that’s more calculated than natural. But before she reaches her car, she pauses. Glances over her shoulder.
“She’s wasted with you, Logan. She’s not safe. You’re not safe…You’re just going to leave her again.” Her voice is velvet-wrapped steel.
Then she’s gone.
My knuckles ball up, popping, as anger surges. Did she just threaten me? Threaten us? A hand, soft and warm touches the small of my back, my breath hitches, and I calm down in an instant.
I close the door with a slow exhale.
“Everything okay?”
“Lola,” I say, scooting her back into the kitchen, settling into the chair opposite her. I reach for her juice and pass it to her, along with her tablets. “She noticed we’re home.”
“Lola?” Mac frowns, clearly sifting through blurry memories.
“Bradens ex, but she seemed upset about something. Said some weird shit, then left.”
“So, they were serious?”
“I mean, they were on and off. It was never serious for him.” I pause. “I don’t think she ever got the memo though.”
Her brow furrows as she reaches for her glass. “I don’t remember her.”
“You’re not missing much.” I sigh. “Maybe that’s not fair. You two were sort of close… just by proximity…but just now? She seemed…different,” I admit. “Angry and surly for one thing.”
Mac blinks slowly, concern flashing in her eyes.
“She looked seriously troubled, made some weird comments about us being together.” I say quietly. “And I don’t think it’s just grief. I think there’s something wrong with her. Just…be careful around her, okay?”
She sets her fork down, her hand reaching across the table again. This time, I’m the one who takes it—gripping it tight.
“I don’t want you to worry,” I say, brushing my thumb across her knuckles. “I’ve got you. Always.”
“Well, Dr. Dale…” Mac murmurs, eyes glittering with amusement as she pops the last bite of one of her pancakes into her mouth. “You cooked me breakfast, gave me my medicine. What’s next on the agenda?”
