Page 39 of Always a Chance
“No, I’m okay.” I checked the time on my phone again. Half an hour. I should have expected him to bag out of this. My phone rang, and Mr. Irons’s name appeared on the screen. Ignoring the call, I shoved the phone into my purse and stood. “If Johnny shows up, tell him I couldn’t wait all day.”
Feeling like an idiot for trusting him, I pushed through the glass doors. It was a bright day, too bright for a city girl in a foul mood.
I’d barely reached my car when Aidan ran toward me, almost out of breath. A woman trailed after him, and I instantly recognized her as one of his sisters. How many did he have again? I couldn’t remember.
Aidan stopped in front of me and bent over, unable to get any words out as he heaved in breaths.
His sister looked like she’d just gone out for a stroll. “Don’t mind him. We’ve been running all the way from the diner.”
That was… far for someone like Aidan. I lifted a brow. “Why?”
Aidan finally caught his breath. “We didn’t run the whole way, Ang.”
Angelina. I remembered now. He had five sisters, and each of the siblings’ names began with A. Angelina, Alaina, Ashlyn, Arya, Ann, and Aidan.
I shook my head to clear it. “And why exactly were you running at all?”
“Johnny called.”
“This better be good.”
“He got held up on a call with the publisher, but he’ll be here soon.”
I wanted to walk away, to take his being this late as an indictment against him. But I also knew what it was like dealing with higher-ups in this business, the ones who decided what path our careers took. “Fine. But if he calls again, you tell him I won’t wait on him forever.”
Angelina smiled. “It would be my pleasure to tell Johnny Kelly someone won’t fall for his excuses and charm.”
I headed back to the bakery, shaking my head when Mariana caught my eye. “Don’t say a word. And yes, I’ll have that third cup.”
Mariana laughed and retrieved a clean mug. “On the house.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Trust me, I know what it’s like to deal with Kelly men. We survivors need to stick together, and that means providing each other with tea and pastries.”
I’d finished half my tea when Johnny breezed through the door, an easy smile on his face. It was like all light followed him inside as he slid his sunglasses into his hair, ruffled from the breeze. His smile widened when Mariana approached.
“There’s one of my two favorite sisters-in-law.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek.
Mariana pushed his face away. “You’re in trouble, Johnny.”
“I know,” he whisper-hissed. “Do you think she’s going to go all New York on me?”
I rolled my eyes. “If by New York, you mean keep my professional cool while I have to deal with idiots, then you might be in luck.”
Mariana smiled. “I like this one, Johnny. You be nice to her.”
“I’m always nice.” He pulled out the chair across from me as I snorted in response to his untrue statement. The old Johnny was always kind to anyone he met, but he hadn’t exactly rolled out the red carpet when he first saw me after I returned.
A coffee appeared in front of Johnny, and he barely had time to thank Mariana before she was walking away. I focused on the notes on my phone, reminding myself this was just like any other interview. I’d done this a thousand times.
When I glanced up, I found Johnny grinning. “What are you so happy about?” I asked.
He shrugged one shoulder. “You came.”
“I said I would.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t actually believe you.” He sipped his coffee. “Sorry I was late. I spent the last two hours going between calls with my editor and my agent. Neither of them thinks I should even be here.”
