Alara bolted upright when her phone buzzed in her hand. She was disoriented for a moment, wondering if she'd fallen asleep at her desk again. But no, she was already in bed. She'd drifted off while she was checking her phone—the phone that was still buzzing in her hand.
She rarely received any calls on it, and when she did, it was usually Reaves. She was a little disappointed to see that it wasn't his name but Callie's on the screen. She immediately felt bad about that. Callie had been so good to her; she was becoming a real friend.
"Hi, Callie," she answered.
"Oh no, you were asleep, weren't you? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. I won't keep you for long."
"That's okay, it's good to hear your voice. How are you?"
"I'm fine. More importantly, how are you?"
"I feel like I'm doing better—really, I do."
Callie let the silence drag out for a few moments.
"Okay," Alara admitted finally. "I'm not sure that I do. But I'm feeling more hopeful. And…" She should tell her about the appointment. But part of her didn't want to say anything until afterward. It didn't really make sense, but that was how she felt.
"And…?"
The way Callie asked the question somehow felt as though she already knew and was encouraging Alara to share. She only hesitated for another moment. If Callie really was becoming a friend, then there was no reason not to share. Sharing was what friends did. She let out a sigh. "I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow."
"That's great news."
Alara frowned. Callie sounded pleased, of course she did, but she didn't sound particularly surprised. She rested her head back against the headboard when it hit her. "You already knew, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind. But Reaves had to talk to Ollie about getting Elliott to cover for him tomorrow, and of course Ollie asked how you were doing. I don't think Reaves meant to share your news or anything."
Alara pressed her lips together as she listened to Callie explain. How could she be upset that Reaves had told them about her appointment when both Callie and Ollie had already done so much to help her? She couldn't. That was the easy answer, and she really wasn't upset—not about him sharing her news, anyway.
What had caught her off guard was that he'd had to call to rearrange his schedule. He'd told her that he was free tomorrow. She worried at her bottom lip.
"Are you still there?" Callie asked.
"Yeah, sorry, I'm still here. I'm fine. And don't worry, I'm not mad about it or anything. I'm glad he told you."
"Oh, that's a relief. I didn't want to create any problems."
"No, you haven't, Callie, honestly. It's all good. But let's not make this all about me. How are you?"
"I'm doing great. I'm getting used to spending more time here in Napa. But I do have a request."
"What's that?"
"Ollie and I are planning to have a pool day on Saturday. I'd love it if you guys would come over and hang out. And when I say you guys, I mean all three of you—you, and Reaves, and Zia. I'd love to see you; we need to catch up. And you know how much Ollie and Reaves enjoy each other’s company." She laughed. "And it's been far too long since I've seen my little buddy, Zia."
Alara smiled. Zia loved Callie—and Ollie too, for that matter. It'd be a good day for her; she’d love it. That was reason enough to go.
Plus, it'd give Alara something to look forward to herself, after whatever happened tomorrow. And any time she got to spend with Reaves was… She didn't finish the thought. She didn't let herself.
Chapter Four
Reaves parked out front when he arrived at the estate on Friday morning. He ran up the steps to the front door and pushed it open, half expecting Zia to come hurrying to greet him, as she often did.
Instead, he was met with a silent entrance hall. He checked in the family room, but there was no one there. In the kitchen, Faye was clearing away after breakfast.
"I hear you're taking her this morning."
"I am. Do you know where everyone is?"
