Page 130 of Ice Rebel

He studied me for a few seconds before pulling something from his desk drawer. “This is for you.”

“What is it?”

The man never smiled, but this rare time he did. “Something I know you’ve been hoping for.”

My hand was shaking as I took the folded piece of paper. As I accepted it, I realized how hard my heart was thudding. I turned away before unfolding it.

I had to read it over three times before I could absorb what it said. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. You did all the work and it’s well deserved.”

“Do I need to answer right away?”

“No, you have a little time, but I wouldn’t keep them waiting.”

Nodding, I folded the paper twice what I needed to. “I won’t. Thank you so much.”

“You don’t seem excited.”

“I am. It’s just… Have you ever been at a crossroads in your life and been so unsure of the next steps to take?”

“Several times.”

“What did you do?”

Jasper seemed surprised I’d ask. “Well, I took some time to reflect on what was most important and I talked to people I could trust and who knew me very well. Sometimes having someone to talk to is very important. More so than dollar figures and opportunities. You’ll know what you need to do. Trust in yourself.”

My heart continued to ache as it had been for a week. All the excitement I’d had and now should have paled in comparison to how much I missed being with Cole. He’d rocked my world in every way possible.

I honestly wasn’t certain how I could go on without him.

“Thank you again. This means everything to me,” I told him.

“I’m glad. I’ll see you in a couple days. We still have another performance coming up.”

“Sounds good.” I moved into the hallway, immediately pressing my back against the wall. After cutting ties with my family, I was walking alone. Yes, Samantha cared. I’d figured how much with all the help she’d given me, including a shoulder to cry on.

But I needed more at this point to try to make such a huge decision.

Plus, there was the little matter of how things had worked out with my father. I’d wanted to do some grandiose gesture, but at this point, I was too scared to try.

Which was crazy since everything was about to change.

Maybe I did need to talk to someone I could trust and who’d give me the best advice.

Grabbing my bag, I headed for the exit.

Once outside, I took a deep breath. Everything I’d done lately had been completely out of my comfort zone. Why not continue? The worst thing that could happen was to have the call ended as soon as my voice was heard. Well, so be it. I needed some advice and couldn’t think of a better person.

My attorney had found the phone number. I’d known there’d been a possibility I’d need to make a phone call. Why not now?

As the phone rang, I held my breath, uncertain what to expect.

And certainly not what happened. The voice was warm and welcoming. Everything I needed and nothing I deserved.

“Chelsea. I’m so glad you called.”

* * *