Page 122 of Only Fate

It’s like she’s lost in whatever thislegal jargonsays.

“Essie,” she whispers, looking up at me through thick lashes, “I think you need to read this yourself. I never thought I’d say this, but Adrian might be right. Maybe they should open his case back up.”

I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “I need a minute before I do that.”

She shuts the MacBook. “I understand.” She rests her hand over mine. “But read it, Essie. You’re one of the smartest and strongest people I know. You’re a great attorney, and you know this stuff better than anyone. Read it yourself and form your opinion.”

“I need a break from talking about myself.”

She grabs the remote and turns on the TV. “Fine with me. What’s your show of choice?”

I snatch the remote and turn the TV off. “Nope, it’s your turn.”

“My turn to what? Pick a show?”

“Your turn to talk aboutyourlove life.”

“We’ve already established my love life is as existent as a vampire’s love for garlic.”

“That is a terrible analogy,” I say, laughing.

“Hey, no one said I was the jokester of the group.”

No way am I letting her attempt to joke her way out of this.

I’m not only asking for my curiosity, but I’m almost positive Mia hasn’t talked about this with anyone. Holding in your secrets, your hurt, alone, only makes the pain harder.

“What happened with you and Trey?” I ask.

“All right, time for you to go home.”

She attempts to stand, but I grab her arm and pull her back onto the couch.

“Nice try,” I say, scooting closer to pretend to hold her in place. “Spill it.”

“There’s nothing to spill.” She gives me a stern look. “Trey and I have never gotten along. Everyone knows that.”

“Andwhyhaven’t you ever gotten along?”

“He’s always thought of me as a spoiled brat and a bad influence on Callie.”

I squint at her. “Really?”

“Yes, really. And considering he’s an asshole, I’ve stopped trying to correct him.”

I’ve always seen Mia as the opposite of a bad influence. As much as I love Callie, she can be naive. Her parents hid the darkness of the world away from her too much. Even my parents have said that.

Since they were kids, Mia has always looked out for Callie and kept her away from trouble.

Trey is dumb as shit if he thinks Mia is a bad influence.

That’s just the excuse he’s giving her.

But the excusefor what?

Yes, Mia grew up rich and spoiled.

And, yes, she’s a little standoffish, but she’d kill someone for Callie. No joke.

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