Anson: Be cool, man. I know you’re pissed at him, but Rosalie and Ellis, you know?
I grumbled as I replied to him.
Ryder: I know. I’ll be cool.
Anson: LeeLee said you picked out her nails. Getting rid of my pink tips, huh?
Ryder: You know it. I saw a chance and took it.
Anson: She said you guys worked on a song, too?
Ryder: I guess. We did that thing where I throw out a line, and she just runs with it. You know how she is. It was 98.5% her, 1% me, and 0.5% Frank’s because he’ll be pissed if I don’t mention him.
Anson: Lol! I can’t wait to hear it, man. I just want to thank you for coming back. Rosalie adores you, and I know I can always count on you. We couldn’t do this without you. It’s stressful enough, but having you there makes it easier.
I scrubbed my hand down my face, hating that he didn’t know my feelings. I was good at hiding them, but they were starting to kill me.
Ryder: All good, brother.
Anson: I have to get back to this meeting. Talk soon, OK?
Ryder: Talk soon.
I was just about to darken my screen when a message rolled in from Cole. I groaned but opened it.
Cole: Hey. It’s Cole. Anson gave me your number. I just wanted to check in on my girls.
My girls. Douche.
After the shit he’d done to get into this position, well, let’s just say I REALLY wanted to punch this asshole.
Ryder: All is well.
It took a moment for him to reply.
Cole: I also wanted to apologize for hitting you with that lamp. That was a dick move on my part. I’m grateful you’re taking care of my family while I’m at work. If there’s anything I can do, just say it.
I frowned at the message. Was this the same Cole Scott I’d known and heard about? Maybe aliens had invaded and taken over his body. Who fucking knew. Seemed out of character for him, but maybe Evan’s bat put the fear of god into his rich ass.
Ryder: I’m going to punch you in the face someday for the lamp. As for Rosalie and Ellis, it’s no problem. They’re my family too.
Cole: I expected you would. I deserve it. Can you just update me on things? I think I’m going to have to stay a little late tonight since one of the docs called off and they’re trying to get a replacement in. Enzo has a gala to go to. Would it be too much to ask you to hang out with Rosalie and Ellis until I get back? I know we have security and all that, I just don’t want them to be lonely while I’m away. I’ll pay you.
Ryder: I don’t need to be paid. I’ll stay. I’ll tell Rosalie to message you when she’s done.
Cole: Thanks, man. I really appreciate it.
I darkened my screen and settled back in my seat, my heart in my throat.
I’d never been in love before, but I was sure this was as close as I’d ever get.
It was truly killing me to know that I’d never have her the way I wanted her.
But if she kept smiling, then I’d smile too.
I wanted her happiness above all else.
49
