Page 12 of Code Word
I needed to help him.
I stood by the door, tray in hand. I’d honestly hoped to hear his side of the conversation. That was all I’d wanted. But he had the call on speaker.
I had to wonder if it was so he could pace while he talked, or wring his hands or pull at his hair like he did whenever he was stressed.
“Thanks for calling me back. I wasn’t sure you’d get my message. I know you’re busy,” he said quietly. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for how things ended. I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you needed.”
“Luke,” Vana said softly.
“You deserve someone who’ll be there for you,” he replied.
“I knew what I was getting myself into,” she said. “Hard to say I was surprised when you’d always been in love with someone else.”
There was silence. “What?”
“Look, I’m on a schedule,” she said. There were muffled voices in the background, and I could easily picture her in the dance rehearsal studio. “I’m sorry for how things ended too. For what it’s worth, I appreciate you calling. I hope you find what you’re looking for, Luke.”
More silence.
“You need to figure yourself out before it kills you,” she said gently. “You need to tell him.”
There was another beat of silence before Luke stammered. “That’s not... that’s... Vana, it’s not like that. I’m not...” He let out a frustrated sound. “That’s not what it is.”
“It’s okay, Luke,” she said. “You know it is. I really have to go. Take care.”
Then there was more silence, followed by what sounded like Luke throwing his phone.
While I stood there, dumbfounded.
He was in love with someone else?
He needed to tell him?
Him?
Who the fuck was she talking about?
Then, with the best or worst timing ever, my phone buzzed with a call in my pocket. It startled me so much, I stepped into the barn, walking in as if I’d just crossed the yard from my cabin. Luke was standing by the studio door, looking pale and startled. I fished my phone from my pocket and saw Maddox’s name. I hit Answer. “Hey.”
“Hey, wassup?”
“Perfect timing,” I said. “I just walked into the barn.” I put the tray on the coffee table and tried to act as normal as possible. “Luke, sandwich,” I said, nodding to the food. I sat on the sofa and sighed. “Maddox, my second favorite dickbag.”
I said his name more for Luke’s benefit than Maddox’s.
Luke tried to smile as he walked over and picked up his sandwich. He gave me a nod of thanks before he took a small bite.
“Hey, so Roscoe and I can come up tomorrow. Does that suit you guys?”
I looked at Luke. “Maddox and Roscoe can come up tomorrow. That cool with you?”
He gave me a half nod, half shrug that I took as a yes. “Sure. But Luke said to bring beer and steak.”
Maddox laughed. “He did fucking not, but whatever. See you then.”
I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the couch. “I know Madz got the cell booster thing for Wes when he had the kid, but it was kinda easier when we weren’t reachable here.”
Luke almost smiled as he chewed. “Agreed.”
