Page 71 of Twisted Fate

My chest feels light and happy as I watch guests dance around me. I couldn’t picture how this event would turn out—nothing would measure up to how wonderful this is.

As I’m grabbing another drink from the bar, I catch Skylar waving me over from behind the donation table. I’m heading toward her when one of the hotel employees taps my shoulder and leans close to my ear. “Your phone keeps going off.”

I forgot I’d left it on one of the tables. “I’m a little busy right now,” I say, not wanting to keep Skylar waiting.

“It appears to be your mother.”

I huff out a breath and take the phone from her, my drink in the other hand. “Thank you,” I say, trying to be polite.

I exit the room and walk into the lobby as my phone buzzes again. “Mom, what’s going on? Is everything all right?”

“Aurora.” Her tone makes my heart stop. “Aurora, honey, we need you to come home.”

I swallow. “What happened?” The room feels too warm, too small as it closes in on me, so I retreat outside. The cool night air touches my skin, but little relief follows.

“Your brother got a lot sicker,” my mom says, and her voice breaks at the end. She sniffles as if she’s fighting back tears, and my stomach plummets.

“Mom, I need you to keep talking. Tell me what’s going on.”

She takes a deep breath. “Adam got pneumonia while he was in the hospital. His body is so weak from the chemo...he’s struggling to fight it off.”

The glass slips out of my hand and shatters against the marble step. I squeeze my eyes shut. When I open them, my vision is blurry.

“Your father and I are both here at the hospital with him.”

I cover my eyes with my free hand. “I’m coming home,” I cry.

“Your father can come get you,” she says in a hoarse voice.

“No.” I wipe my cheeks, but it’s pointless; more tears spring into my eyes and fall. “I’ll take the train or something. I’ll find a way home.” A lump forms in my throat, making it hard to speak. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I end the call and stand frozen in place, staring straight ahead as I sob. Too many things are rushing through my head. Oh god, Adam must be terrified. How are my parents functioning right now? I give up trying to fight back tears and cry until my eyes hurt and there’s nothing left. My stomach coils up tight, and I think I’m going to throw up all over the steps of the Westbrook Hotel. Willing the nausea to fade, I press a shaky hand to my mouth.

This isn’t fair. Adam was doing so well. He’s the last person to deserve this.

I walk back into the hotel where the gala is in full swing. I stop at the coat check to grab my clutch and ask one of the employees to tell Tristan I had to leave.

Hurrying out of the lobby to the front of the hotel, I pull out my phone to call a cab. I’m bringing the phone to my ear, and then I’m spinning around at the hands of Tristan.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

Turning my face away, my hair falls forward. “I have to leave.” I try to keep my tone casual, but my voice cracks.

He grasps my chin and turns my face to look at him. “Are you crying?” His forehead creases. “I saw you leave. What happened between then and now?

I shake my head. “Tristan, please,” I beg, and dammit, the tears are back. I blink, and they fall, dripping onto his hand.

He lets go of me. “Tell me what’s going on, Rory,” he says in a gentle voice.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “Adam has pneumonia.”

Tristan’s brows tug together. “What do you need? What can I do?”

“Nothing. I need to go home.” I don’t want to ask him, but the words fly out of my mouth before I can stop them. “Will you...take me?”

“If that’s what you want, of course I will.”

I wipe my cheeks dry and nod.

“I’ll have my car brought around.”

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