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“Hello,” I answered. “How are you?”
“I’m okay, Press. How are you?”
“As well as can be expected, I suppose.”
“I hope I’m not bothering you.”
I sat back in my chair, closed my eyes, and pictured the look on her face. “Don’t bite your lip,” I muttered out of habit.
She laughed, and it was the most joyous sound. “How did you know?”
“I know you,” I said softly.
“Press, I…”
“Go on.”
“You’ve got a lot going on there. I don’t want to bother you.”
“That’s the second time you’ve said something to that effect, and you’re not. You never do,” I insisted.
“You’d never admit it even if I did.”
I smiled. “How are things at Butler Ranch? I trust Sorcha is keeping you well-fed.”
“She’s doing her best. I…um…Ridge said you were staying in Napa indefinitely.”
“I’m sure he also informed you my brother has fled the coop, so to speak.”
“Where is he?”
I hated to tell her my theory, given I knew hearing Daphne’s name would likely upset her.
“Australia?” she asked before I could respond.
“I believe so.”
“It makes sense. I’m sure he’s devastated about your mom and would want to be with Daphne.”
I was stunned by her casual tone. I didn’t pick up on the slightest hint of jealousy.
“What about you, Press? How are you coping?”
Not anywhere near as well as I would be if I could simply hold Luisa’s hand and feel her beside me.
“Press?”
“I’m here.”
“I should probably let you go.”
No, no, not yet,I wanted to shout. “So soon?”
“You seem distracted.”
“Not at all. I’m entirely devoted to talking with you. How’ve you been? No panic attacks, I trust?”
“Jada is still here. That helps,” she told me.
