Together they stood side by side, studying Mama’s face, searching for clues.
A strangled sob escaped Mama’s lips, and she collapsed onto the chair. Tears cascaded down her cheeks. “Thank you, Jesus,” she murmured, her strained features suddenly softening with relief. “Oh, sweetheart, thank God you’re all right.”
CeCe’s heartbeat stuttered, barely daring to ask. “Dad?” she whispered.
Mama nodded, holding out her hand for her daughter.
CeCe hastened to her side, sinking onto the chair next to her, her heart racing, ready to burst.He’s okay! Hallelujah, he’s okay!
Gripping her mother’s hand with all her might, she eagerly waited for her turn to talk to her dad, mulling over everything she wanted to say, anxious to hear his voice.
After a few short minutes, her mother said, “Of course, honey. I understand. She’s here now. I’ll tell her.”
Tell me what?CeCe silently wondered.Why can’t he tell me himself?
Before she could ask her question aloud, her mother hung up the phone.
CeCe’s heart crumbled.
“Your father had to go, but he wanted us to know he’s okay. They got everyone out safely. They’re being evaluated by medical personnel as a matter of precaution, but he’s fine.”
“That’s great.” Her tone sounded tense to her own ears, and she forced a shaky smile, determined not to give in to her disappointment.It’s not personal. There’s a lot going on. He’ll call you when he can. Just be grateful he’s alive and well.
She took a moment to say a silent prayer of gratitude, allowing her racing pulse to settle. Resolved to focus on thepositive, she turned toward Jayce. At least he was here. Maybe now, in the solace of her father’s safety, they could explore whatever had happened between them.
The front door closed. The latch clicked.
CeCe sat in stunned silence. Had Jayce just left?
Her phone buzzed on the table where Jayce must have placed it before he snuck out.
Her stomach knotted with nerves as she warily glanced at the screen.
Glad your dad is okay. Sorry to slip out. There’s somewhere I need to be, and I didn’t want to interrupt. Talk soon.
The disappointment she’d suppressed suddenly rose to the surface again, like a geyser erupting. She struggled to tamp it back down.
Of course he had to leave. He probably still had time to catch the end of the award ceremony. Or, at the very least, give the producer his script during the after-party.
This was Jayce’s big break at his lifelong dream. Could she really begrudge his desire to chase after his greatest passion? Even if it meant leaving her behind?
Chapter Thirty-Two
CECE
“Where’s Jayce?”Mama set a pot of hibiscus tea on the table to finish steeping.
“He left.” CeCe tapped twice on Jayce’s text and selected the thumbs-up icon to indicate she’d read his message.
“Back to LA?”
“Probably. He’s supposed to give his script to a producer tonight.” She placed her phone face down, wondering when she’d get to read the end of Chloe’s story. Jayce had saidsoonkind of mysteriously, as if he’d had a specific moment in mind. “I’m really proud of him,” she added with an urge to defend his sudden absence. “Screenwriting has been a lifelong dream of his. I’m happy he’s finally making it a priority.”
Mama smiled softly as she set two mismatched mugs on the table.
“What?” CeCe prompted, trying to read her mother’s cryptic expression.
“Nothing.” Settled back in her seat, Mama added a drizzle of wildflower honey to their mugs.
