Page 2 of Heartstruck at Dawn
“Hey, Billie,” Tobias said with that big, sincere smile of his. He glanced over my shoulder at the massive flower arrangement behind me and raised a brow. Some flowers were dying—symbolic.
“Hey, what’s up?” I replied, forcing back a smile while my last shred of hope shattered on the inside.
“I just wanted to check up on you and see how you were doing. I haven’t seen you at the gym.”
I hadn’t resumed my training with Grant precisely because I wanted to avoid Tobias or any other Sjöberg family member. I tried getting in touch with Grant. However, his phone was disconnected.
The elevator chimed behind us, and Aaron came walking out of it.
“Miss Murphy, sorry to interrupt. You were not answering your phone, but Mr. Hill is downstairs.”
I turned to look at Tobias and puckered my lips to the side. Tobias would probably report back to William, making him think that there was still something going on with Thomas, but I needed to stop fretting about what William thought or not. I tried to explain everything many times, but he made it perfectly clear that he didn’t care to listen.
“Send him up.”
I need to stop caring.
Aaron replied with a nod and left.
“Well, it’s ah—good to hear you’re doing fine, Billie. If there’s anything you need, you know where to find me.”
Tobias had proved to be a good friend but looking at him was difficult because it inevitably reminded me how things went south with William. He helped a lot the day of the fire, and I wanted to let my bitterness aside to tell him how thankful I was that he’d been there for me and for having stayed in touch to check on me afterward.
“I’m sorry,” I said to him with a sigh. “The past few weeks have been difficult—too many changes. I haven’t got the chance to talk to Grant, but I’m so grateful for what you both did for me. You didn’t have to but—”
“Please, don’t mention it,” he said with a frown, shaking his head a few times.
“Did Grant change his number?” I asked. “I haven’t been able to reach him. I want to thank him directly and be able to let him know once I’m ready to resume our sessions.”
“He did. I’ll ask Will—” He broke off. “Um, I don’t have your number, and I didn’t bring my phone. But I’ll make sure you get it. I’ll text you later.”
Frustrating.
He couldn’t even sayWilliamin front of me.
The elevator doors opened in the distance. Thomas, Aaron, and David walked out in our direction. Caleb preferred not to interact with Thomas, especially after everything that happened. He couldn’t stand him.
“I think I better get going, Billie,” Tobias said, looking back at the three of them.
“Hey, man.” Thomas clutched Tobias’s shoulder and offered his hand to him. So unlike him. “I’m sorry about the other day. I was so worried about Billie. I acted like a real asshole with everyone, including your brother. I can’t thank you enough for all your help.”
Tobias’s lips parted slightly; shock drowned his eyes. I don’t think he expected that sort of reaction from Thomas. He nodded and told him there was nothing to be thankful for and excused himself to leave.
“Hey, babe,” he said, kissing my cheek. “Can I come in?”
Babe.I was starting to hate that word.
“Sure.”
Thomas caught me off guard too. I wasn’t expecting him to act like this after being thrown out of my place, although I did appreciate him behaving accordingly.
Aaron glanced at me behind Thomas, waiting for confirmation that I was comfortable with the situation. I replied with a simple nod and looked away.
“We’ll wait out here,” he said firmly. Aaron wasn’t buying Thomas’s goody-two-shoes act.
We walked inside, and Thomas immediately saw the flowers. “I hope you liked them. I meant that,” he said, tapping the card where he’d asked for forgiveness.
“They’re beautiful. Thank you.” Every word that came out of my mouth felt like walking on broken glass. I was being mindful about what to say and how to say it.
