Total pages in book: 144
Estimated words: 147415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 737(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 491(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 737(@200wpm)___ 590(@250wpm)___ 491(@300wpm)
I’m shocked to see my wireless connection is back—and so is cell service.
There’s one missed call from Eliza.
The sight of it almost jolts me with its normalcy, and I stare at the screen with a creeping awareness that I haven’t spoken to her or Dad in over a week since he tried to play papa bear.
That’s way too long.
...and what if the worst happens in this storm?
Sighing, I hit Eliza’s contact, still stroking Molly’s fur.
She picks up almost immediately.
“Dess!” she says, always so brightly. Her happiness squeezes my heart.
This is what she’s done for my family.
She brought the sun and the stars back into the very dark void Dad lived in. An abyss he only broke out of for brief moments while I was growing up.
She’s not my bio mom, no, but I love her just the same.
“Hey, Eliza,” I say, trying to make my voice sound as bubbly as hers. Totally not like this might be my last call ever from a sinking ship. “How’re you guys doing?”
“So good. I realized it’s been a little while since we caught up, and your dad—well, he’s been bugging me to call you.” It’s so everyday, the way she says it. My heart wrenches. “I’m making honey pancakes for dinner. Your little sister needs to learn about the breakfast for dinner tradition when she’s young.”
“Adorable! I miss your pancakes so much,” I say honestly. “And your coffee... what’s on the menu at Liza’s Love now?”
It’s like I can hear her beaming over the phone the second I mention the little café she started.
“Citrusy sunrise brew. We take a single origin Sumatran dark roast and infuse it with dark chocolate and citrus rind. Cole was skeptical as always until he tasted it. Now, he’s basically demanding an IV drip.”
Somehow, I’m laughing despite the fact that I might never touch land again, but I’m glad. She makes it come too easy.
“Just don’t let him steal it for Wired Cup. Some things need to stay with the little indie places,” I tell her.
“Oh, yeah. I can’t wait to see what you think next time you come around. You’ve been busy, huh? Don’t be a stranger, hon.” There’s a pause as she speaks to someone else. Dad, maybe. Or Nicole, Elijah?
“Soon,” I promise, certain she’s probing me about the argument with Dad.
“Tell me about life.” Her tone shifts, double confirmation that she’s fishing. “I heard about... well, everything. But I’m sure there’s another version of the story than Cole’s.”
I snort into the phone.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s been a wild ride. But the worst is over.” I say it too quickly, but she doesn’t seem to notice.
“I’m sure it was, honey. For the record, I was right behind your father when he offered to go to war with anyone behind that rumor crapfest. It’s messed up, putting your name out there the way that girl did. Oh, and your mentor...”
My breath stops as I wait for her to say more.
“Are you really okay? That’s the one part where I tried to talk Cole down. It’s one thing to go after a school of sharks that want to hurt you. But whatever happened, let’s just say I know enough about love to realize it’s always complicated. And I know you’re smart enough to figure it out on your own.”
She’s. Killing. Me.
She gives me too much credit.
If I were actually smart, I wouldn’t be here nursing a torn heart while the man I love tries to save us all from an icy grave, would I?
“I’m fine, Eliza. Really.”
I hate lying.
If she hears the quiver in my voice, she doesn’t let on.
“That’s what I told him. I said you didn’t need us fussing over your personal life when you could handle it yourself. But if those stupid Twitter journalists keep coming—”
“We’re good that way, I promise. Mr. Foster has lawyers, and he’s working overtime to shut it down,” I tell her, making sure not to call him Shepherd. “Give it time. They won’t know what hit them next week.”
There’s a loud burst of static from my phone. I check the screen to make sure she’s still there until her voice comes floating back.
“Wonderful! I’d expect nothing less from any man you’ve been close with. Plus, I’m sure he doesn’t want anyone thinking he’s messing around with a girl half his age just for favors.”
A girl half his age.
Ouch.
Yes, I know there’s an age difference. I also know Eliza was similarly burned by an older man once, before she ever met Dad, so maybe that’s what she’s channeling.
And maybe I should have asked her for advice sooner before I let my heart get the piñata treatment.
“Destiny? Are you there?”
I rub circles on Molly’s neck with my fingers. “I’m here, yeah. Sorry, a little static. How are the kidlets?”
“So much trouble. But my heart is overflowing,” Eliza says fondly.