Page 28 of Word to the Wise

“I’m sorry, Mason. I didn’t know.”

I turn around, leaning against the counter and facing her. “You couldn’t have.”

“Still.” Her gaze drops to her plate, where she’s pushing a bite of pancake around the syrup. “What happened to her... I’m so sorry.”

Reed thinks she knows how my sister died because she’s probably read the chain of events how they played out in the press. But that’s just the version my dad approved. Which is why she’s looking at me with pity and not fear. She doesn’t know what really happened that night Sienna died or what happened after.

The controversy is nothing compared to reality.

“Is that why you moved to LA?”

“I figured if I picked a big enough place, it’d be easier to disappear.” I shrug. “Small world though.”

“Apparently.” She wets her lips, thinking that over. “I’ll tell my editor I’m not finishing the article. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I was looking into your family.”

“You don’t have to do that for me.”

“I know, but it’s the right thing.” She tucks the fallen pieces of hair behind her ears. “Besides, I don’t need to do Carter any favors. Not anymore.”

“Then don’t.”

I shouldn’t suggest this. All I’m doing is opening myself up to Reed finding out the truth. But even if she hatesme once she learns all my secrets, she deserves clarity when it comes to her ex-boyfriend. She needs to know the lengths a man must be willing to go to if he’s working with my father.

Carter is no saint. He probably asked Reed to write this article to bury whatever back-end business dealings he’s involved in. But maybe if I help her look in the right places, Reed can uncover the truth instead.

My father deserves it.

I deserve it.

“Write the story—or don’t, it’s up to you. But it’s your career, Reed. You shouldn’t let him take that from you. You’re a good writer.” I plant my hands on the counter and look down at her. “You put your all into your articles. It doesn’t matter what picture Carter wanted you to paint. Take the narrative back and find the truth.”

“You’ve read my work?”

“A couple of things Sage had around the shop,” I lie.

I’ve read every article I could get my hands on because she’s brilliant and has a way with words. And the moment I found out what she did for a living, I had to find a way to have more of her when I knew that’s all I was going to get.

Again, the small tick in the corner of her mouth makes an appearance, and it reminds me of her smile.

“So, you think I should write the article?”

I nod, even though I know I’m planting a landmine.

“Do you think there’s something to find?”

“If my father’s involved, probably.”

“Okay.” She folds her hands on the counter. “Thanks, Mason.”

“For what?”

“For believing in me.”

My heart hammers as I stare into her big brown eyes.

I believe in her more than she realizes. Enough that I’m willing to ruin any chance I’ll have with her when she finally finds out the truth.

9

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