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So, I extrapolated the nugget of wisdom dressed in a diner analogy, and ran with it. Okay, running isn’t my style. I actually walked really fast. I dropped a couple of twenties on the table and rushed out of the building. Having made a decision, I realized I already felt better. In truth, it was only the worryingthathurt.
There were several other truths I had to accept. First, I hated my job. Second, I was too conscientious to screw the firm over. And finally, I cared too much about Kate and Ty to leave them high and dry. Now, I had not one, but two offices to pack up. I decided to remove all my personal effects from the casino first. At least I had around the clock access. I parked in the employee lot, then took the elevator up to the floor. When I stepped off, I saw lights and my shoulders sank. Who was here when I desperately wanted to bealone?
As I snuck down the hall, I realized Kate was pacing in her office. She froze when she saw me. “Hey, Laney.” She frowned. Maybe she had wanted to bealonetoo.
“Hi,” I murmured. I was too drained to be perky, even if the decisions I’d made had me feeling muchlighter.
“Ty said you left. I was worried. Are you okay?” She clasped her hands together under her chin and stared at mesadly.
“Sure.” Only I couldn’t look her in the face because if I did, she’d see myblackeye.
Naturally, Kate wasn’t one to be fooled. She strode over and thoroughly examined me. “Well, that looks painful.” Shescowled.
“Mostly, yes, but I’m not so much hurt as I am…” I needed to choose my wordscarefully.
“Disappointed?” Shesuggested.
I sighed. “Yeah. I thought we were getting somewhere. I thought Harry understood and caredandthen…”
“Drew,” she grumbled. “I heard. I can’t imagine how scary that must have been. And then for Harry to do what he did.” Kate sighed and then her brow furrowed. “Wait. It’s nearly four in the morning. What are youdoinghere?”
I chuckled. “I could ask you the samething.”
Her face brightened. “Well, I’m here because my husband needed some professionals to handle the clean-up and repair for Harry. Those contacts are here.” She gestured to her desktopcomputer.
“That make a lot of sense. There’s no way Harry could sweep under the rug a mess of that magnitude all by himself.” My mood turned evenmorefoul.
“Oh, you misunderstand.” Kate shook her head. “Fixing the house is for Harry. He doesn’t officially own it yet.” She blew out a breath. “Ty called 911. The police came and arrested Drew. He has been taken to the hospital for medical attention. He’ll pay one way or another. And rehab isinevitable.”
“How’s Harry taking it?” I hated myself for still caring about his feelings when he clearly was unconcernedaboutmine.
“Not well. Guilt. Ty said he blames himself for everything. Something that goes all the way back to their prepubescent years, apparently.” She shrugged. “So, what are you doing here?” Kate glanced at my attire. “Not starting work early, obviously.” Her head tilted and then her eyes widened. “You’releaving?”
“You know, if this whole running a casino thing gets old, you could be a PI,” Ijoked.
“Pass. Want help packing?” She leaned back against the doorframe.
I eyed her curiously. “You’re not going to try to talk me outofit?”
Kate grimaced. “God no. We’re friends. I want you to be happy. I’m hoping this means you’ve decided to follow your dreams. I’m happytohelp.”
My jaw dropped open. “You’re a special kind of person, Kate. I’m sorry I’m just now finding this out. I’d love yourassistance.”
When she looped her arm through mine and walked me to the conference room, I no longer felt awkward, but accepted. Hell, I even believed our friendship could survive the loss of Harry and my unexpected departure. “We’re going to be okay,” Imurmured.
“Yes. We are. And if you want, you and Harry canbetoo.”
* * *
Harry
We had unintentionally watchedthe sunrise together a few hours ago. Back then things seemed to be settling down. Of course, with the time closing in on ten in the morning, and no word from either of the women in our life, we’d gradually become unhinged. At the moment, a cryptic message from Kate had Ty all worked up. “She said she was going out of town for a little while and she’d be back later.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Dammit, Harry. If you want to start taking the blame for shit, how about this? My wife left me and your girlfriend disappeared, all because you wanted to protect this douche who used to be our friend.” He pacedangrily.
“I’m sorry. I know.” I sat on the edge of the patio, soaking my feet in the pool. The sun had risen hours ago and though I’d hoped it would soothe me, it only made me wish Laney was here and none of this had ever happened. I couldn’t stop thinking about her and this grand gesture I needed to make. “I swear, I’d throw myself at her feet if I knew where tofindher.”
“You called and she didn’t answer?” Tyfrowned.
My cheeks colored. “I sent a few texts.Youknow.”
