Page 86 of Selling Out
“So do you.”
“Which is why I have no plans to go back there.” We all hate that place. There’s a laundry list of reasons we moved from that claustrophobic little island all those years ago—and the Palmers are tippity top of the list. Grams has too much spirit to surrender, though, so she stayed.
“I didn’t plan to go back,” Gemma says, crumpling her napkin in her hand. “But this is Grams we’re talking about, Mia. She’s stood her ground for a long time, but she’s getting older, and I want to make sure they’re not messing with her or treating her poorly.”
I blow a breath through my lips. “You’re right.Andyou’re the best person for the job. You can hold your own against that crazy town.”
“You betcha.”
“Heaven help them.” My phone buzzes next to me, and I pick it up.
Babe
Let me guess. You’re at the Eiffel Tower.
Mia
I can see it from here. Does that count?
Babe
Nope. Can I meet up with you somewhere? I was hoping to talk to you for a sec.
My chest tightens. Those words are ominous. I have no doubt Paul chatted with him about what he walked in on last night, not to mention whatever they met about this morning.
“Babe, huh?” Gemma’s peering over my shoulder at my phone, and I swipe it out of her view. “Didn’t know things had progressed that far already.”
“They haven’t. That’s the name he saved his number under the night I met him.”
She grins. “Cheeky boy. Like I said, my vote is for him.”
“Noted.” I act like I don’t care what Gemma thinks, but I absolutely do. Not just because her opinion matters to me, but because the woman can be ruthless when she thinks it’s called for. “He’s going to meet up with us if that’s okay.”
“With us? Or with you?”
“Same difference.”
“It’s really not. Does he know I’m with you?”
“He probably guesses.”
Gemma gets out her phone and starts texting.
“Who’s that?”
She doesn’t respond, typing for a few seconds before turning off her phone and smiling at me. “I’ve got plans, anyway.”
I cock a brow. “With?”
“Tori.”
“Since when?”
“Since five seconds ago. She’ll tag along with Austin, then she and I will leave you lovebirds in peace.” She winks.
I try to smile, but inside, I’m wondering if this talk with Austin will bring an end to whatever’s been going on between us.
And that is one terrifying thought.
