Page 88 of The Sun and Her Star

“I’ll be here for him,” I don’t know what else to say.

“He’s told me so much about you. I’m glad to know that he wasn’t exaggerating.”

“Oh, okay.” My tongue is tied.

“I’m going to hang up, okay?” She yawns. “I’ll make sure he calls you tomorrow.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

The line goes dead. I turn the phone over facedown in my lap and try really hard to stop my mind from thinking about her slipping into bed with him. I fail. My stomach feels like I swallowed a stone. A second later, it buzzes. It’s a text. From Graham’s number.

“I thought you might want to see him for yourself. Amber xoxo”

She sent a picture of Graham. He’s in his bed, his light-yellow sheets drawn up to his shoulders. His cheek is pressed into the mattress and his hair is loose and fans out all around his head. All I can see is his profile, his mouth is open slightly, his lips puckered by the press of the mattress against his cheek.

His lashes form feathery shadows on his cheeks. His beard is gone. I itch to touch the smooth jaw that I haven’t seen since I was a girl.

He’s even more beautiful than I remember.

I turn my phone over in my hand, unlock the screen, and open the keypad. Then, I call Lucas and do what I should have done ages ago.

Hail Mary

Graham

LAX, Private plane terminal.

Two Months Later

“Mr. Davis, would you like anything else to drink before we take off?” the air steward, Ryan, asks as he collects the empty water bottle from the small tray table in front of me.

“No, thanks. I’m going to try and get some sleep,” I tell him. I’m feeling agitated. I’ve planned this trip meticulously over the last couple of months. But, I know I’m taking a huge gamble.

“Can I have a soda?” Amber pipes up.

Oh, and I’m bringing my beard along for the adventure. Mainly because we still have a few months left in our arrangement. But also, because she gave me the courage to do this. Finally.

“Yes, madame. I’ll be back shortly with that drink,” Ryan gives a small bow and Amber giggles. I scowl at him, and he straightens and scurries off.

“You excited?” I ask her.

“Oh my God, yes. It sucks that you’re firing me. But this trip to NYC, entirely on your dime in this sweet plane, I get to slap you in public ... thatmightmake up for it.”

I grip her hand. “Thank you for this. For everything.” I look at her solemnly.

“What are friends for?” she asks dismissively.

“Well, apparently for helping friends pull their heads out of their asses and get their shit together.” Her beautiful brown eyes soften.

“You’re too hard on yourself. You deserve to be happy. Andthatwoman, she loves you. She was nice tome.If I had been talking to my man and another woman picked up his phone, in hisbedroom …”She laughs as if she really imagines it. “I would fuck her up.Sheapologized. Shereallyloves you,” she says and takes a swig of the soda Ryan dropped in front of her.

“Well, I hope you’re right because I’m going for broke.”

“It’s the only way to do it.” She pats my leg. “I’m going to try and sleep. Your last-minute life U-turn was pretty exhausting.”

“Well, get your rest because when I get my shit straight, I’m helping you pull your head outyourass.”

“I’m fine. I’ve got my son. I’m signed for three more seasons. Our breakup is going to be spectacular for my ratings,” she says with a glee that only someone who works in this crazy industry would understand.

---