Page 80 of Solo

Oh shit. Shit, shit, shit.

I didn’t tell Katherine that Tessa recommended the store. If she tells her where it came from, Tessa’s bound to put two and two together. And that’s never a good thing. For anyone.

“Oh, thanks, Professor Morgan,” Kate says, forcing a smile to her face. “I, uh—I got it from my father. Along with a beautiful coat. He noticed I didn’t have one when he was on campus last week. Next thing I know, this one shows up. He’s very thoughtful like that,” she says, and I’m amazed she can keep a straight face.

“Of course he is. Please send him my warmest regards,” Tessa croons.

“I will,” Katherine assures her, turning to leave again. And, while Tessa can only see the back of her head at this point, I can see her face quite clearly.

“Oh. My. God!” Katherine mouths with huge eyes.

My sentiments, exactly.

…

The phone is ringing when I return to my office after lunch.

“Hello, Drew Markham’s office,” I say, slipping behind my desk and waking my computer from its nap.

“Drew Markham’s office,” the voice on the other end of the line mimics.

“Who is this?” I demand. After an hour of Tessa’s nonsense, I am so not in the mood for a freshman prankster.

“Jesus Christ, Drew, what the fuck happened to you? Dude, it sounds like you’ve got a stick up your ass!”

Wait a minute… I know that voice.

“Danny?”

“Who else?” He chuckles.

“Oh my God! How are you, man? It’s been too long! How’s Vivica?”

“She’s amazing, Drew. Marrying her was the best thing I’ve ever done. Nothing like the love of a good woman to keep you on the straight and narrow, you know?”

I do know.

“Oh, fuck.” He groans from somewhere in New York City. “Goddammit! I am such an asshole. Drew, I’m so sorry. That was the most insensitive thing I could have said. Please forgive me, man…”

“No, no, no,” I assure him, shaking my head as if he can see me through the phone line. “Nah, it’s okay. I’m just happy that you two are doing so well. I was sorry not to see you over the holidays.”

“Yeah, well, the Vienna Symphony New Year’s Eve concert doesn’t open up every day, you know.”

“I know. I saw the broadcast on TV and you were amazing, Danny. Dude, you’ll be replacing that has-been at the New York Symphony any day now.” I grin.

“From your mouth to God’s ears, my friend. But hey, enough about me. Let’s talk about me.”

“Oh yeah, cause that’s something new…” I tease.

“Seriously, Vivica and I are actually in Charlotte visiting my folks.”

“What?” I sit up straighter in my chair. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

“I’m sorry, it was a last-minute thing. But hey, I was thinking maybe you could come down for a visit while we’re here.”

I’m about to tell him that there’s no way I can get away, not right now. But then a thought occurs to me.

“Hey, Danny…”