Page 78 of Savior

His phone goes off, and he pulls it from his pocket, walking toward the door as he picks it up. “Yeah, Boss?”

The apartment door shuts as he walks into the hall.

I look toward the orchids, emotion swirling deep in my gut at the gesture of two men who barely know me tonight, which has made my birthday the best I’ve ever had.

I climb into bed and open my phone to see that Myra hasn’t texted me Happy Birthday. Then, I curl into myself.

My phone dings and I quickly pull it back to me, sliding it open.

Hey, it’s Brynne. I thought you might want this. But if you don’t, I apologize.

There’sa contact with Luca’s name attached to the text.

Father Russo,it reads, and I swallow as I click open the contact link, saving it to my phone.

For the longest time, I lay on the bed in silence, letting the heavy moment I’d had with Dante settle through my body.

Grabbing my phone, I open the messages app and make a new one with Luca’s contact information at the top of it. I write one out before I can overthink it and hit send quickly.

Thank you for my birthday gifts. You have no idea how much they meant to me.

I don’t haveto wait long; the bubble showing he’s typing pops up, and I pull up to sit with my back against the headboard. I chew at my thumbnail as I watch the bubble move up and down for what seems like forever.

You deserved more than I gave you. I hope you had a fantastic day, Sloane.

I still feel tooraw from the moment with Dante, but it feels good to have my walls down some, even if I don’t like admitting it.

I did. And it was thanks to you. And Dante.

Dante? What did that fool do now?

I can’t help the laugh that barrels out of me. While Dante is sweet and kind, he seems to be the menace who’s a thorn in his boss’s side, too.

He helped me see I should be celebrated.

Well, then, for once, he’s not being a pain in the ass.

There you go, cursing again.

What’s my sin count at now?

I smile as I toy with what to say back.

I think your slate has been wiped clean, Father Russo.

Has it? Whatever for?

For giving a sad girl flowers on her birthday.

You’ve rendered me speechless, Ms. Collins.

Damn, I made a priest stop preaching? I should get some recognition.

Ouch, I don’t talk that much, do I?

I was joking with you. But I mean, it’s in the job title.

I lie down, turning on my side with a massive smile as I snuggle in. I feel more connected to him now that I’m texting back and forth, even if it’s mundane and nonsensical. Sometimes, those are the best conversations to have with a friend.

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