Page 22 of Yes, Love

“I’m… Dominic, I’m sorry about that last bit.” The sharp edge to her voice had dulled. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m fine, though, really.” I heard a door slam in the background, and Lucy’s voice changed to barely above a whisper. “I’ve got to go.”

And then she was gone.

Noah sat across from me in his black leather gaming chair and clasped his hands together. He raised both eyebrows as if waiting for an update.

I groaned and ran my hands over my face. “She says it’s nothing. She says he’s not hurting her.”

Noah nodded with a somber look on his face. “Do you believe her?”

I let out a long, deep breath. “Don’t know. If I could see her face, I’d be able to tell.” I leaned back on the couch. “Maybe I am being mental, but I swear there’s something off about Will.”

“And you’re sure that’s not the jealousy talking?” Noah winced when I shot him a withering look. “Sorry, mate. Had to ask.”

I groaned and stood to pace the length of our living room. “What am I supposed to do here? Even if he is hurting her, she won’t let me help.”

Noah nodded. “Right. Has she got any other friends in LA that can look out for her?”

I shrugged. “I met a few when I first moved there, but most were connected to Will, so I don’t trust them.” I wracked my brain, trying to think of a friend that had nothing to do with Will. Wasn’t there a Kara from Yoga or something? I scrolled through my contacts, searching for a Kara. I’d gathered loads of phone numbers from Lucy when I threw a party for her twenty-fourth birthday last year. I didn’t invite Will, and she was sullen and pouty all evening.

At last, I found a contact called Lucy’s Kara. “Here’s one.” I glanced up at Noah. “You reckon I should shoot her a quick text? Ask her to check on Lucy?”

Noah nodded. “Couldn’t hurt.”

I typed out a text. Hi, Kara. It’s Dom, Lucy’s ex. Listen, have you seen her lately? I saw an article that’s got me a bit worried. She won’t speak to me about it.

Kara responded immediately. OMG! I saw that article, too! I haven’t seen her for a few weeks, but I’ll see if we can meet for coffee or something soon. I’ll let you know how she seems. And for the record, I liked you tons better than Will. I’m sorry about the way things ended.

No worries. Thanks, Kara. I tossed my phone on the couch beside me and let out a deep breath. “She’s going to check on Lucy and let me know how she seems.”

“Good.” Noah stood and patted my shoulder. “There’s nothing more you can do right now, Dom.”

“I could drive down to LA and kick his arse.” I ran my hands through my hair and stared up at the ceiling.

“Or we could wait until we hear back from Kara, and then if he is hurting Lucy, I’ll drive down to LA with you and hold his hair while you punch the shit out of him.”

I gave Noah a half-smile. “What do I do while we wait?”

Noah grinned. “Drink, mate.”

Twelve

Ava

Jeanie’s texts were coming in fast and annoying the shit out of me. I was trying to enjoy my weekly lunch date with Sienna, but my publicist was relentless.

You need to throw another party. You haven’t done one since you and Dom met. You can do one together. It’ll be adorable.

There’s a big Wild Love US, UK, and AU reunion in Miami next week. It’s an entire week of beautiful half-naked people on the beach, and I just got word that Lucy Macklemore won’t be there. You and Dom will be attending. I’m booking flights and hotels now. One room or two?

I smiled and bit my lip. A whole week on the beach with Dominic? And no Lucy? Yes, please. Three days ago, I would have said two rooms, no doubt. Now, though… I texted back. One.

When I glanced back up at Sienna, she had a sour look on her face. I sighed and turned my phone off. “I’m sorry, Si. I’m not trying to ignore you. This time with you actually means a lot to me. Jeanie needed to book flights and hotel rooms. Please don’t be mad!”

Sienna waved it away. “It’s not you. My stomach’s been off for the last few days.” She took a small sip of water. “Ugh. This water tastes metallic.”

I frowned and sipped my water, too. “Weird. Mine tastes fine. Wanna trade?” I slid my glass over to her and watched her face twist up in disgust when she took a sip of my water. “No?” I raised an eyebrow at my bestie. “What’s up with you? Are you sick?”

Sienna groaned and rested her forehead on the table. “Maybe. I’m sorry, Aves. Would you hate me if we had to reschedule this lunch?”

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