Page 106 of Pros Don't

“You got it, man. Hey, listen. It’ll be fine. We’ll work it out. We’ve got your back.”

“Mallory too?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I will take the fall for this, if it’s the last thing I do.” I blow out a breath. “Thanks, Noah. I owe you big. I’m sorry for the extra trouble.”

He lets out a short laugh. “This is why you pay me the big bucks, right?”

“Something like that.”

After we disconnect the call, my body moves out of habit. I throw open my closet doors and find jeans and a button-up shirt. I have a one-track mind. Get to the inn. See Mallory. Reassure her everything will be fine.

I’ve got Noah and my team on it, but what must she be feeling like? She took a chance, opening herself and her reputation up to me, and for what? A tabloid scandal and a potentially crippling fine.

I make the drive down Main Street and over to the inn in half the time it usually takes. I park along the side yard, closest to Candace’s house. There’s no sign of Noah’s car yet, so I decide to cut in through the kitchen entrance. I figure Daisy won’t mind, and I don’t want to face anyone fromMEMalone. Besides, I need to track down Mallory, make sure she’s okay.

I pull open the door, and Daisy is standing in the kitchen, her arms wrapped around Mal. At the sound of the creaking hinges, both women turn and face me.

Daisy’s face is drawn with concern, and Mallory’s tear-streaked cheeks make me feel like someone is taking a saw to myintestines. She’s got her hair pulled back into its usual ponytail, and her creamy white skin is two shades too pale to look healthy.

I step forward, and Daisy releases Mallory in time for me to scoop her into my arms. I inhale the scent of her shampoo as she clings to me.

“I’m so sorry about all of this. It’s going to be okay.”

A sob escapes her, and my heart cracks.

“It’s my fault.” I rub her back. “I will take the blame, and any fines will come to me. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Mallory pulls back, shaking her head. “I’m as much to blame for what happened between us as you are. I broke the contract same as you. If you’re on the hook, then I am too. But there’s more.”

Tears pool in her eyes, and one slips down her cheek. I use the pad of my finger to wipe it away. “What is it? Talk to me?”

“It’s my mom.” Mallory’s voice breaks, and she presses her lips together.

My heart stops. “What happened?”

“She fell last night. She was home alone. She must’ve tried to do the stairs and lost her balance. She’s unconscious.”

A sob escapes her lips, and I pull her back into a hug, letting her cry into my chest. I wish I had words, but nothing I could say would be right or enough. I guess the best thing I can do is shut up and be here for her—however I can be—and hope it’s enough. So much of my life has been filled with unnecessary chatter. I’ve surrounded myself with people who will praise me and champion me, puffing up my pride and self-worth using their words. Those words are empty when it all comes down to it. They’re meaningless. I don’t want to offer pithy platitudes to Mallory right now. I want to show her, with my presence, that I’ll walk with her through this valley.

“Gosh, I’m a mess.” She pulls back and wipes her nose on the back of her wrist.

“You’re not a mess.” I take a tissue Daisy is holding out and hand it to Mallory. She takes it and blows her nose.

“What do you need? What can I do?” I ask when she tosses it in the trash.

“I have a flight booked. I’ve got to leave for the airport, like now.”

I nod. “Good. I’ll take you.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

We turn at the sound of Noah’s voice. He has an apologetic grimace on his face.

“Hi. Sorry. Mallory, I’m so sorry. I overheard, and I’m sorry to barge in on you like this, but Holland, if you leave now, that does not look good to the network. You’ll come across as flakey and disrespectful.”

“I don’t care what the network thinks of me. I care about Mallory and making sure she’s okay.”

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