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“Sounds expensive,” Colt said.
“It is. And good. Ladies?”
Mila rose. “I think Macy and I will finish this excellent Pinot. On the terrace.” She topped off our wine glasses.
I followed her out onto the rooftop terrace, skirting past Colt’s massive grill. It was a balmy New Orleans evening, and the warm breeze ruffled my hair.
“Doing okay?”
I looked at Mila and sipped my wine. “Yes. I’ve learned to roll with the punches. Pick myself up and dust myself off when I need to.”
“And only depend on yourself and never ask for help.”
My belly tightened. “That’s what my mom taught me. It was only the two of us, until she died of cancer.”
“I’m so sorry.” Mila leaned against the railing. “I lost my parents. They were killed by the bad guys who were after me.”
I sucked in a sharp breath. “Mila, I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks. I miss them every day.” She paused. “Dante’s helped.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s made me talk to a grief counselor. Being with him, it really helps the most. I tried to go it alone, but having someone to lean on, to hold my hand, to hold me up when everything seems too much…” She turned toward me. “It makes all the difference.”
“I promised Colt no strings and no complications.” I felt jittery inside, and wiped my hands on my skirt.
“It looks to me like he doesn’t mind the strings.”
I glanced at him and Dante through the glass door. They were so different, yet it was so easy to tell they were connected, were brothers.
The truth was, I wanted more. I wanted Colt. And I was falling for Daisy, too. I pressed my hand to the base of my neck. But what if I started to need them, and eventually, Colt didn’t want me anymore?
My mom always said it was easier to hold on lightly. If you held on too tight, it hurt too much when it was ripped away.
Nothing lasts forever, Macy Moo. Never forget that.
Mila grabbed my shoulder and squeezed. “You’re not alone, Macy. Remember that.”
30
COLT
Something was wrong with Macy. Again.
Dante and Mila had gone. It had been a good evening. I’d planned it to keep Macy’s mind off things, so she didn’t worry.
I’m not sure I’d succeeded.
I watched her putting things away in the kitchen. Her brow was creased, there was no humming, no smile.
My hands clenched. I didn’t want her to be worried and scared. When I walked into the kitchen, she didn’t even hear me.
“Macy?”
She jerked. “Oh, Colt. I’m nearly done here.”
I took the wine glass she was drying from her hand and set it on the counter. “What’s wrong?”
She glanced away. “Nothing. It was a great night. Mila and Dante are wonderful.”
I wasn’t very good with words. Lord knew if I could avoid talking with people, I would. I didn’t know what to say to make her feel better.
