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Rix taps her lips. “He’s a rule follower, and he’s used to being in control all the time, but you’re making him lose it consistently. Just keep doing what you’re doing. I think you two would be good together.”
I don’t know if my heart can handle it if we keep taking one step forward and two back.
“I do think we can help move things along, though. In your favor, of course.” Hemi thinks a minute. “So I’m aware management is planning a birthday party for me.”
Rix and I exchange a look. “That’s supposed to be a surprise.”
“It’s hard to get things past me when I’m responsible for scheduling promotion around games. To be fair, they tried to use code words on the calendar, but my birthday falls on a Saturday this year, and it’s between games, so it was pretty obvious.” She waves a hand. “I haven’t told them I know. From my sleuthing, I believe we’re having a catered dinner so Tally can be part of the festivities. You don’t need to confirm or deny anything, but this would be a good opportunity to go dress shopping.”
“Yes to dress shopping,” I agree.
We pull out our phones, and Hemi fires off a message to Tally, Dred, and Shilpa for a full-crew shopping trip.
A clip of Scarlet getting into a car flashes across the screen on the TVs across from our table. My buoyant mood deflates like a popped balloon, and I quickly look away.
Hemi tilts her head. “How will you feel about it if she’s able to come?”
I exhale an anxious breath. “It’ll be great publicity for the event.” And good for my resume, but probably not for the welfare of my sweaty palms.
“That’s not a real answer.”
“I know.” I bite the inside of my cheek. “She’s already been invited. We can’t take it back, and I don’t even know what’s going on with me and Hollis. I guess we wait and see?”
That isn’t an answer either, but I can’t admit to being jealous of his ex. It’s clear we both have feelings, but that doesn’t mean we’ll end up together. Not if he can’t get out of his own way. Or worse, if he decides Scarlet is worth a second chance.
CHAPTER 20
HAMMER
It’s late when I get home. Rix is staying at Tristan’s, as is typical when he’s not traveling. The end of the season is coming, which means I’ll be minus a roommate soon. And I only have the apartment until November since it’s a sublet, unless the owner decides to extend her stay.
On cue, my phone starts ringing. It’s like my mom knows when I need to hear from her. “Hey, mom.”
“Hey, honey. I’m missing my girl. How’s school?”
Balancing classes and everything else has been hard, but I don’t want her to worry. “It’s been great, my projects are going well, and all my group members all pull their weight this year.”
“That’s so good to hear. I know it isn’t always the case. Do you need anything? I can get you an appointment with the sound bath healer you like, just to center you and help with some of the stress,” mom offers.
This is one of the ways she shows me she loves me. “I could probably go next week in the afternoon if he’s available.”
“I’ll make the appointment. I can’t wait to see you. I’m sorry our last visit didn’t work out.” I hear the sincerity in her voice.
That’s the thing about my mom, she always tries her best, but it’s hard for her to be a constant in my life when she’s always on the move. I learned long ago the importance of accepting people as they are, though. She loves me the best way she can. “It’s okay, Mom. North was sick and then you had that trip to the mountains, it was outside of your control.”
“Still, I don’t want to be away from you for this long. I can book a flight if you need me sooner than your birthday.”
“It’s okay. I just have a lot on my mind. And you’ll be here soon enough.”
“If you need to talk anything through, I’m always here,” she says.
“I know, Mom. I promise I’m okay.”
“Okay. I love you, honey.”
“Love you, too, Mom. Talk soon?”
“Absolutely. I’ll text you the appointment details.”
