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I try her when I get back to the beach house only to get that ridiculous voicemail. I don’t leave one. I’m not a client or her project. I’m her sister, and if I need to justify my call, it’s not worth the explanation.
Before I have my tea made, though, she calls me back.
“Olivia.” Tally has always been formal, but I can’t help but think of Layton switching to calling me the same when he was taking control in bed.
Focus, Livy! “Hey, Tally. How are you?”
“You called?”
“Obviously, I didn’t get to congratulate you when we spoke on Monday. So proud of you, sis. You’re crushing it.”
“Thank you. It was a hell of a lot of work. Still is.” There’s an awkward pause, but I can hear papers ruffling in the background. “Was that all?”
“I guess. And thank you for checking on me on Monday. It’s been stressful, and I appreciate it.”
“Of course.” Another pause. “Have a good day, Olivia.”
Click.
I’m great. Thanks for asking. It’s been a challenging time, but I’m happy too. Florida agrees with me. The sun, the wind, the waves. It’s a magic cocktail for me. I’m seeing great progress with some patients and getting kudos for my work. Yes, Kyle is good. The rascal still thinks I can’t tell when he eats off the counters, but I know. Yeah, I’ll probably be home in July for Mom and Dad’s fortieth anniversary. I’d love to see you. A whole day? I’d kill for that. Yes, let’s do it. Miss you too. Love you, Tally. So glad we got to catch up.
I pull my phone away from my face and stare down. Forty-nine seconds. That’s what it comes down to – less than a minute of conversation fifteen times a year.
I hit the power button and slide my phone into my purse.
I don’t want to think of the relationship I don’t have with my sister.
I don’t want to consider Gerald Tustin or his weird fixation on me. Or maybe his obsession is with Layton. That’s curious, actually. Which of us is he more interested in?
I can’t spend my energy on Layton, either. I would love to burn off all kinds of energy with that man, but right is right, and I have a contract.
I’m great at my job and I want to keep it. I may not be hitting Tally’s levels of success, but for me, I’m happy, accomplishing my dreams, and getting kudos for doing so. That’s enough.
I throw some cash and a credit card in my pocket and grab Kyle’s leash that’s still attached. “You ready for a walk, big boy?”
His ears perk, and his tail knocks into a barstool, sending it two inches farther under the island.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
We head off to the farmers’ market and to wander the tourist shops of this little coastal beach town.
* * *
Three days later, I pack the car to head home.
It’s time to get back into routine. Time to get the laundry done, the groceries prepped, and to be ready to tackle the week.
I plug my phone into the car charger, and it lights up as it boots back to life. I expect a missed call or two. Maybe a text from Sabine, but the notifications just won’t stop. Emails. Texts. News alerts. Phone calls.
It’s Sabine’s that scares me most.
Bean:CALL ME IMMEDIATELY
Three days ago. Oh my gosh. What happened?
“Livy!”
“Hey, love. What’s up? I’ve been—”
