Page 37 of Ozzie

The question is unexpected. “I mean, we talk now and again.”

My mom sighs. “Is she really unhappy with Cain?”

Okay, so my mom doesn’t know John is here. But what surprises me is that my mom is open to discussing my sister’s marriage. She never has been before. “No, she’s notunhappy; she’s miserable. He’s been cheating on her since their honeymoon. He’s a horrible human being.”

Her sniffles come through the phone. “I’m sorry I put you both through everything.”

I sit up straighter. “Mom, what’s going on?”

“Oh, nothing. I got emotional going through the photos. Let’s talk about you. Do you still like New York? How’s your cousin?”

“Yes, and he’s fine. But did you know John is here?”

Durango walks by right then. He stops and raises a brow.

“Mom,” I whisper.

He full-on turns to me, crosses his arms, and stares. I hadn’t mentioned the calls to him yet.

“John is there? In New York? His parents will be relieved. He’s been missing. Wait, are you two back together?”

I roll my eyes. “No, we’re not back together. The asshole kidnapped me and then shot me. Yes, I’m fine. As for his parents, they know where he is because they paid for the attorney who got him out of jail already.” The more I talk about it, the angrier I get.

“He shot you? Honey, are you exaggerating again?”

Here I think I am building a bridge with my mom, and now this. I hold my phone out to Durango. “She thinks I’m exaggerating about being shot. I just can’t.”

He takes the phone. “Lauren, it’s Durango. That asshole shot your daughter. She lost a lot of blood but, thankfully, my teammate got her to the hospital in time. There’s no exaggeration. The fact that you and your husband want herto marry that shithead to further your business is frankly unforgivable. And what you’re doing to Millie? Also, unforgivable. I hope you can sleep at night.”

He ends the call and then sets my phone on my desk. “She’s going to call back. Let it go to voicemail.”

I nod as the phone immediately begins to ring.

“I’m going to grab lunch from Taim. Want your usual?”

My stomach growls. “Yes, please. Thank you.”

Their hummus bowls are the best. My phone rings again. I check it, hoping it’s Ozzie. It’s not. It’s my mom. I ignore it.

After Durango leaves, there is a knock at the door. Cautiously, I get up and peek at who it is. It’s Jerry, so I let him in and then lock the door behind him. “Mr. Reed, it’s good to see you.”

“Piper, it’s good to see you too. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this lawsuit. Can we go into an office to talk about it?”

I’m supposed to be the first person anyone sees when they walk in, but Reed is keeping the doors locked due to John being free so no one will come in off the street.

“Yes, you can use Lightning’s office,” Reed says, stepping out of his office. “Take all the time you need.”

The two men hug. “Hey, son. Good to see you.”

“Thank you,” I say to Reed as I follow his father down the hallway.

“You’re moving pretty good for someone who got shot in the leg,” he says.

He’s right. I forgot the cane I’d been using at my desk. While my leg still hurts, I’m able to walk on it, and I’mthankful for that. “It’s healing quickly, which is good. As long as I keep it wrapped up tight, it doesn’t bother me too much.”

Well, that and the large dose of ibuprofen I took earlier.

“I’ve reviewed the lawsuit filed against you, and I spoke to the opposing attorney. Either he’s an idiot or an asshole. I’m not sure which yet.”

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