Page 96 of How You See Me
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” He concentrates on the fire for a few minutes before rising sharply and running a hand through his messy hair.
“Where are you going?”
“To call Jordan. You’re not changing your mind, are you?”
“Not even a smidge.”
He pauses beside my chair, like he’s memorizing me in this moment in case his conversation with Jordan changes everything. Then, he shakes his head and disappears into the night, leaving me with nothing but the impossible ache of waiting for whatever comes next.
Chapter 21
Hayes
Hey, Mom.” The words almost stick in my throat. I called her to center myself before I potentially shatter two relationships I care about with one phone call.
“Hi, sweetheart. How’s it going?”
“Good.” Better than good, really, but the lightness I felt when I dialed her number is already slipping away.
“How’s Josie?”
“Well, she’s why I’m calling.” My stomach tightens. “I need to talk to her brother about a few things.”
Silence hums on the line, but I can feel her amusement. “It’s about time,” she says with a laugh. “Did you finally admit your feelings?”
“Yeah, but it can’t go any further until I talk to him.”
“That’sconsiderate of you, son.”
Another twist in my gut, and I rub a hand over my abs, trying to calm it. “Hope Jordan agrees. Any advice?”
“You don’t need it.” Her steadiness almost convinces me. “If Jordan is the friend you think he is, he’ll be happy. Not angry. Who’s a better man for his sister than you?”
“You may be biased.”
“Not even a little bit. You’ve saved his life, how many times?” She’s joking, but there’s a fierce undercurrent behind the words.
"I don't know." I pace from tree to tree, my nervous energy too erratic to remain stationary. “It comes with the job.”
“At least twice—and that’s the ones you’ve told me about. You’ve also grown closer since Jordan left the service. He’s more like family to you now. And you don’t give yourself enough credit, Hayes.” She pauses, her voice softening. “Any woman, including Josie, would be lucky to have you. Jordan will know that, too.”
Closing my eyes, I absorb her faith in me. Damn, I hope she’s right.
“How’s Ava?”
“Fighting for every minute, but she’s okay. She had a rough day and went to bed early. I’ll show her the s’mores and fossil photos tomorrow.”
“Okay.” The thickness in my throat pulses. Everything else feels even more fragile now. “Tell her I’m thinking about her.”
“Sure, but I won’t mention you and Josie. She’ll want to hear that from you. Make sure you video call when you tell her, so she can see the joy I hear in your voice.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you.”
“Love you, too. Shoot me a text after, but I’m not worried.” She hesitates, then adds, “I’m happy for youandJosie. She’s caught herself a good man.”
The call ends, and before doubt can creep in, I thumb over to Jordan’s name in my contacts and tap CALL.
The line rings once. Twice.
