Page 17 of The Broken Keys

“I know. Callum hasn’t even tried to kiss me.”

“What?” Her eyes widen. “You didn’t kiss him after he took you to Nobu?”

“No. He took me home and walked me to the front door. I think he wanted to, but…” I remember glancing at the security camera and turning away from Callum. “It wasn’t the right time. He had just opened up to me, and I needed the space to process everything.”

“And yet he still texts and calls whenever he can.” She sits in the chair across from me. “If you ask me, I say send the damn email to this guy of yours and give yourself some space to see if you and Cash can find a connection again.”

“But—”

“You said your crush told you to explore any kind of relationship you might be interested in while he was away, and he told you to do it with no guilt. If you ask me, he washoping you’d meet someone else. But that’s just my two cents.”

“Ouch.”

“Sorry, but you’ve always known me to be blunt.”

“I know, and I appreciate it. This time it just stings more than usual.”

She stands and starts to leave. “Let’s hit a Pilates class and then go to your new house. If you still need to talk about it at that time, we can.”

“Thanks, and remember, I’m here for you, too.”

“I know.” She turns toward me. “Have you talked to your brother?”

“No. Why?”

“After we left Coachella, I thought I’d hear from him, but I haven’t.” She shrugs. “Probably a good thing I didn’t go home with him that night.”

“Yeah, Bren’s not known for having long-term relationships, so don’t take it personally.”

“I’m not. It’s his loss.”

I laugh because she’s right. “He missed a good opportunity.”

“That he did.” She opens my door and steps out. “Maybe one day you can tell him that.”

“Maybe I will.”

She tosses me a wave of her hand as she leaves. I rest back in my chair and take a deep breath.

Quinn has a point. Jax told me to explore, and I can’t live like this for the next month or two. Since that’s how long he said he’ll be gone, I think my decision is made.

I pull up the email and read it again. After making a few additions to it, I go to press send. My finger hovers over the button, but something stops me.

If I put this out to Jax, that means I’m saying goodbye, and I just can’t do that right now. I still love him, but that seems pointless now.

I think for a moment and decide I won’t send the message at this time. Instead, I schedule it to go out later. If I change my mind, I can always stop it from sending.

My phone buzzes. Callum’s name lights up the screen, and I can’t deny the smile that forms. He’s been the constant source of support this past week.

It’s nice to have him in my life again without all the never-ending ache I used to have when he tried to connect. I read his message.

Callum:You gonna check out your new place after work?

Me:After my Pilates class. Why?

Callum:That’s right. I heard about your Pilates obsession. Don’t forget to stretch your neck after class. Trust me, I’ve pulled mine enough times to know better.

A laugh escapes me. I type back, smirking at my own reflection in the screen.