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‘No sir.’
‘That’s the normal protocol. Discuss any issues with Daryl and then he brings them to me.’ I can’t help but feel like there is something else going on at that restaurant, something no one is telling me.
‘With all due respect, I understand that, but unfortunately, I’ve not been able to reach him, and I didn’t want to let it go too long. You understand?’
His slight accent is noticeable in the way he says the last sentence. ‘Can we discuss this over the phone?’
‘Not exactly. I know it’s last minute, but I think you should see for yourself. I wouldn’t have called if I didn’t have serious concerns.’
I curse silently. I know Julian and I know I wouldn’t be getting this phone call if it wasn’t serious. His reluctance to discuss anything over the phone worries me, too. Yet more shit to pile on top of the shit I already have. I sigh. ‘Let me see what I can do. I’ll email you the details when I have them.’
‘Thank you, Mr Stanhope. We are very appreciative. See you soon, I hope.’
I tap the red button to hang up. Well, this changes things. I’d have to rearrange my schedule, find someone to cover my lectures and have a serious conversation with Daryl. Bloody fantastic. I had only myself to blame—I’d asked the universe to give me something else to worry about and it had delivered spectacularly.
It’s half five in the evening and the sun has been down for nearly an hour which means it’s pitch-black outside with just the light of the streetlamps to guide me home.
I really need a vacation.
Chapter 23
Leyna
My phone pings andI’m surprised to see an email addressed to myCinnamonaccount, the account I created for the art class and which, to this point, has only received emails from Karinna. My hands start to tremble when I see who’s sent me an email—Jack.
Can we reschedule the next session?
I’m going to be away.
Are you available on the Friday night instead?
Same time.
Jack.
I shouldn’t overthink this, but I can’t help but run through all of the possible reasons for his message. Why is he going away in the middle of term? We’d had thatamazingkiss and despite Jack tearing off in typical Jack fashion at the end of it, that kiss was the hottest I’d ever had. It was soft and rough and gentle and cruel all at once—the sort of kiss filmmakers dream of capturing on the big screen.
