Page 47 of The Broken Keys

“Am I? Or am I finally paying attention to what’s right in front of me?”

Cooper’s quiet for a moment, studying my face. “I think you’re reaching for something because you’re afraid of losing her again.”

“Maybe.”

“How’d he leave it with you?”

I shrug. “He congratulated us on our second chance and said he had a conference call he had to get to.”

“Then there’s your answer.”

“How do you figure?”

“If they were involved, I doubt he’d congratulate you two. From what I’ve heard, he’s not one to play nice when he’s getting burned.”

“True.” I throw myself down onto the couch. “I just don’t wanna lose her, Coop.”

“Then don’t fuck up again.”

“Easier said than done.”

I give the valet my keys and try to tell myself I’m being too sensitive. Maybe bringing her here tonight is my way of fighting back against whatever shadow that encounter cast over us.

Maybe I’m trying too hard to prove that the new, sober me can still give her excitement. That I’m not too calm and boring.

“You still like dancing, right?” I guide Livianna with my hand on her back as we approach Trax, the newest club in downtown LA, where everyone who matters goes to be seen.

The paparazzi swarm starts before we even reach the door. Flashbulbs pop like small explosions, voices shouting questions over each other.

“Livianna! How does it feel to be back with Cash?”

“Are you two official now?”

“Cash, are you ready to put a ring on it this time?”

Livianna’s grin is practiced and kind, but tension radiates through her back where my palm rests. She waves and nods, but doesn’t stop walking. It’s obvious the attention is making her nervous, like it did in the past.

“Too much?” I lean down to ask as we reach the VIP entrance.

“No, it’s fine.” But her answer is tight, clipped in a way that tells me she’s anything but fine.

My jaw tightens because I practically begged her to come out with me tonight.

Stop spiraling, Cash. Enjoy this moment with her.

The bouncer recognizes me immediately and waves us through to the roped-off section I reserved. It’s big enough for twenty people, but tonight it’s just us.

I wanted her to have room to dance, space to breathe, and protection from the crowds that would surround us on the main floor.

The bass thrums through the floor, lights strobing in blues and purples, turning everything into a dream sequence.

Livianna glances around, taking in the scene, but something’s different about her energy. The distance I felt at brunch is still here, like part of her is somewhere else entirely.

“This is incredible, Callum.” She turns to me with a smile that doesn’t seem to fit. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

“I wanted to. You deserve to have a good time.” I step closer, but I still have to raise my voice over the music. “I know I’ve been all therapy-speak and quiet dinners lately. Thought maybe you missed the excitement.”

Something flickers across her face. “Why would you think that?”