Page 126 of Betrayed

“You don’t need to do anything you don’t want to do. That includes deciding right now.”

His ability to see to me so clearly still caught me off guard. “Okay. Thanks.” He deserved so much more than my clumsy words, but I was struggling to hold myself together.

“Let’s tackle the things you can do from here first,” AJ ignored my awkwardness. “Email your professors and ask if they’ll meet with you.”

His suggestion was perfect; it allowed me to tackle my list without having to deal with the heavier problems first.

I emailed my professors. The family lawyer wouldn’t be in his office until nine, so I called and left a voice mail. Then I did the same for my attorney. Knowing I’d need help navigating the legal mess my father left, I wanted to talk to them right away. While I did that, AJ called John. Unlike my attorneys, John was already in his office and working.

“Will do. Thanks, John,” AJ said before disconnecting the call and sitting back down. “John called the Sherriff’s office. He doesn’t think the judge will grant bail.”

“They think he’s a flight risk?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I expected as much,” I answered, sounding calmer than I felt. “What about the house?”

“The FBI and police should finish today or tomorrow at the latest.” He hesitated before continuing, “I should warn you; they ransacked the place looking for evidence.”

My life is a fucking nightmare right now.“Even my room?” My voice squeaked.

“I’m sorry.” He didn’t offer more than that. He didn’t need to.

“It’s not like I want to stay there.”Priscilla will be unbearable. “And I don’t need to. I can stay in my dorm-”

AJ’s low growl interrupted me.

“What? It’s not like I can stay here.” I didn’t think AJ would want me intruding on his space for more than a night or two.Do I want to stay if he asks?I did.

“Why the hell not?” He asked, sounding mad, but looking hurt.

I scanned his face, looking for clues before asking, “You want me to stay?”

“Of course I do.” His tone had the quality of a kid rolling his eyes while saying, well duh. “I’m sorry. I thought it was obvious.”He reached for my hands. “Let me be perfectly clear. I want you to stay here with me.”

He smiled, adding, “Please.”

I smiled back.I should invite him to my birthday party.

“Shit.” I said, tearing my hands away.

AJ was on his feet and circling the table in a flash. “What’s wrong?”

“I just remembered my birthday party.” I fought back tears as anxiety washed over me. Now that I remembered, a thousand and one things I needed to add to my list flashed through my mind.

AJ squatted beside me and turned me so I was facing him. “It’s okay. I got you. Breathe in, nice and slow. And out.”

I felt stupid for panicking, but my emotional reserves were depleted.

He waited until my breathing returned to normal, then hugged me. “Okay, first things first; when is the party?"

My twenty-fifth birthday party was Friday night at the Sussex Country Club. The guest list was a who’s who of Dallas politicians and its wealthiest players, and a few of my friends. I’d have to cancel the reservation, the caterers, the musicians, and contact all the guests.

“Did your father hire a party planner?” AJ asked.

I blinked up at him. In my panic, I’d completely forgotten.

“He did.” Tension drained from my shoulders; I only had to make one call. Scratch that, send one email.I want to talk to as few people as possible today.

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