My words come out a jumbled mess and do nothing to explain the situation, but more than that, my place of employment is not where this should be happening.
“If someone wants to find you, they will,” Sloane says. “Take it from me. It’s hard to stay hidden.” She reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“I’ll ask him to leave,” Sally says, jumping in immediately. “You don’t need this while you’re at work.”
Her words come out quickly, but nothing in them is bothered or angry. She seems legitimately concerned for my well-being, and a few seconds later, Sloane and I are watching her talk to him.
He hands her a card and then leaves.
Breathing a sigh of relief, but I know it’s not over.
“I was right,” she says, returning to where Sloane and I are standing. “A reporter. He wants to talk to you about Sean English from The Provocation.” Her brows knit together as she ends her sentence, a question hanging on her words.
I swallow hard when I hear his name, pushing back the tears, because even though I knew this was coming, I’m not prepared. I’m not sure I would ever be prepared to talk about it, especially with my boss.
“He’s my soon-to-be ex-husband, and things aren’t going very well. The media loves a good divorce,” I say, trying to make it funny, but it’s far from funny.
“Ah,” Sally says. “Got it. I’ll let the desk attendants know that you are not to be bothered. Reporters are not welcome here unless they have preapproval from Rick or me.”
She’s firm in her words, resting a comforting hand on my arm. She smiles. “You’re safe here, Quinn. You won’t be bothered, and if you need anyone to walk you out to your car in the garage, just let me know. I’ll put one of the security guys on it.”
“Thank you.”
Sally leaves, and Sloane looks over at me, eyes wide. All I can do is nod.
“Wow. I didn’t think you were going to say that,” she says now. “Sean English.”
“It’s complicated.”
“It always is when it comes to things like that. Divorce.”
“I can’t believe Kai didn’t tell you,” I say.
“I’m not. If you confided in him, he wouldn’t tell. He’s a really great guy,” Sloane shares, and I really shouldn’t be surprised Kai didn’t share it with everyone.
That’s not in him to break someone’s trust, and I’m drawn to him even more. His kindness and his ability to keep my secret. He’s been here for me from day one, more than anyone else in my life.
I glance down at my watch, noticing the time, and I have to get going.
“Shit, I’m going to be late,” I say, and Sloane nods.
“I’m here if you want to talk about it or if you need anything,” Sloane tells me. “We all are. We’ve been through this with Miles. The reporters came after his band split up, offering us money for stories on him, but fuck them. They don’t know we’re ohana, and ohana doesn’t sell out.”
“Thanks, Sloane.”
My day goes quickly—fully booked and distracted, which is nice—and lunch with Sloane helped too.
I was able to share a lot of what I’ve gone through and been going through with her, and I feel lighter, but still exhausted when I pull into my driveway.
Kai and I made plans tonight, and I text him before I get out of the car.
* * *
Me: I’m home from work. Going to shower and then make dinner. What time will you be over?
Kai: Finishing up a board. Give me twenty and I’ll be over.
Me: Sounds good.
