Page 117 of Breaking News

“I can ask her,” I said, pulling my wallet out of my pocket. I handed Olivia my debit card. “Order the pizza while I’m over there. But, uh, remember that we’re on a budget now. Don’t go overboard.”

“Are we too poor for cinnamon sticks?” Caleb asked.

All I could do was laugh. “Get the cinnamon sticks. I’ll be right back.”

It looked like the weekly gathering at the Gardners’ was in full swing, judging by the number of cars parked on the street. I walked right over to the backyard and unlatched their gate. I was welcome with a chorus of heys. Jill, sitting in a patio chair, set her drink down on a side table and stood up.

“I thought you were having pizza with your kids tonight?”

“I am,” I said, speaking loud over the thumping Hozier song as I glanced around at the group scattered around the patio. “But Olivia suggested I ask you to join us. If you’re hungry, of course, and if you don’t mind watching a scary movie.”

Everyone’s eyes were on me. I couldn’t see them all from where I stood, but I could feel their stares. I was sure they’d all heard the news by now, that Jill and I had been seeing each otherbehind closed doors this whole time. Now they were witnessing it.

“You guys really want me at family pizza night?” Jill asked, and then she bit her bottom lip like she was trying not to smile too hard.

“Please,” I said, looking her in the eyes so she knew I meant it, and the noise around us faded into the background.

Jill turned toward Meghan. “Will you hate me if I bail?”

“I’ll hate you if you turn down free pizza,” Meghan said before taking a sip from her margarita glass, making the people closest to us laugh.

I spotted Xander by the back door, beer in hand, talking to Abigail. Jill walked over to me, but I touched her lightly on the back and said, “Hang tight for a second. I need to talk to Xander.”

She nodded, clearly confused, but I’d explain later.

I made my way over to him. “Hey, can we talk inside for a sec?”

He gave a quick nod, glancing at Abigail before turning around to open the sliding glass door. I followed him into the cool kitchen, pulling the door shut behind me. Xander backed against the island, sticking one hand in his pocket, the other one clutching his beer. “What’s this about?”

I didn’t waste any time. “There’s an opening at theIndyStar, a regional position covering the southern half of the state. While we were in New York, a buddy of mine who works there pulled me aside and specifically asked about you.”

Xander just stared at me in silence.

“If you apply, I’m sure it’d be yours. No question. They want you.”

“Why the hell aren’t you going after it?” he asked, furrowing his brows.

I let out a heavy sigh. “I won’t lie. I’m considering throwing my hat into the ring, but I had to tell you. You’re their top pick.”

“You have more experience.”

“Eh.” I made a face, cocking my head to one side. “Maybe. You’re a better writer.”

Xander didn’t argue with that. He dropped his gaze to his beer, frowning. “I’m not going to apply.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’ve been thinking about moving back to Chicago.”

My lips parted in stunned silence, and I took a step back. That was the last thing I’d expected to hear him say.

“Don’t tell anyone,” he quickly added. “I haven’t fully decided on it yet, but I definitely don’t need a job like that tying me down around here. I need out.”

“Why?” I asked instinctively, but he didn’t answer. He only sighed, staring past me at the patio door. I looked over my shoulder, following his gaze to the back of Abigail's head as she raked her fingers through her long, red hair.

Ah.

I turned back to Xander and studied his face, understanding exactly why he couldn’t stay.

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