Although, even though I was convinced they were harmless, I’d taken steps to ensure I was never alone with any of them. Hearing Ruthie’s take on the situation did nothing to put me at ease.
Glancing at the tea longingly—because it helped, and my throat hurt, but what else was new—I removed it from the table and set the cup on the countertop behind us.
“Let’s get these signed,” I said, more of a rasp than a voice at this point. “We have that interview later this afternoon.”
Charlie made a face. “Man, Abram, you sound like shit. Come on, you’re being crazy. Just drink it.”
“We don’t—” I held up a finger, sneezed into a napkin, and then continued, “We don’t have the show until tomorrow. I’ll be fine by then, if you two do all the talking at the interview.”
“Are you sure you’re not getting sick?”
“I’m not getting sick.” I blinked, my eyes scratchy.
“You know, Leo will be there. Tomorrow,” Ruthie said conversationally. “He asked if you would be at the VIP thing after, cause’ he’s bringing all his Hollywood friends and they want to meet you.”
Scowling, I reached across the table for a pen. “I won’t be there.”
Leo and I still weren’t speaking. I didn’t know if he was aware of my relationship with Mona, and I didn’t care.
“Why’re you so pissed at him?” Ruthie asked.
I opened my mouth to answer, but instead sneezed again. When I was sure no other sneeze was on the way, I responded, “I’m not pissed.” Damn. My eyes hurt.
“I think you’re getting sick.” Charlie squirmed in his seat.
“I told you, it’s fine.” My phone buzzed in my pocket and I reached for it.
“It’s not fine. I’ll make your stupid tea,” Charlie grumbled, standing, grabbing the cup. “Where does Melena keep this shit?”
I was only partially listening, the notification on my screen capturing most of my attention.
* * *
Mona: Finished early. Let me know if you have time to talk, would love to hear about your week. Miss you.
* * *
Staring, standing, smiling, and turning from the table, I unlocked my phone to read the message again. My heart thrummed with happy nerves. This was an extremely nice surprise.