Chapter Twenty-One
LILY
When the clock hits noon, I scramble for my purse under my teller counter and dig out my phone. I’m not usually so strict about not checking it during work but I knew if I did, if Apollo hadn’t sent me messages already, I would have sent him one and probably have gotten fired for ignoring my work to talk to him.
My heart leaps when I see a bunch of missed messages on my home screen. It stops and falls to my feet when I finally take the time to read the name and see they’re all from Blake.
Mostly complaining about Mr. Davis getting in their way and trying to offer advice and tell stories about the significance of one thing or another. Blake, I’m sure is doing his best to be diplomatic. As renowned as he is for his temper, he’s equally known for his professionalism on the job site.
So the fact that I’m getting these rather heated texts, tells me he is desperate for help.
One by one, I reply to Blake’s messages. All the wind knocked from my sails as I head to the store to pick up the condoms I plan to make very good use of before I have to come back to Dickie’s for work this evening.
The problem is with every text I answer, Blake asks another half a dozen questions I can’t answer. Not without seeing what he’s talking about.
There goes my heart again, tumbling out of my chest to plop on the ground for me to tromp all over realizing it would be easier if I went over there.
Turning away from Dickie’s and crossing Main Street again on my way to the bank’s parking lot to get in my car, I text Apollo.
Me: I’m so sorry but I’m going to be late. Mr. Davis is giving Blake a hard time and he has a million questions. I’m heading there now to clear things up. I’ll let you know if I’m not going to make it home before work tonight.
Apollo: No worries, Lilypop. Take care of business.
Me: I’ll make it up to you later. *wink*
Apollo: Yeah you will. *peach emoji* *eggplant emoji* *water droplets emoji*
Never in my life have I felt so strongly the urge to be irresponsible. Blow off Blake and work. Go straight home and jump Apollo’s bones. What I wouldn’t give to have my sister’s care-free attitude for a day. Act without thinking or worrying about the consequences. But that’s not me. I’d hate myself forever if I did something like that even once.
Sitting in my car, I send one last text message.
To Blake.
Me: I’m on my way.
