Twist of Fate (Taking Chances #2) - Tia Louise Page 0,86

she straightens like she’s startled. “I’m sorry… Was I interrupting something?” Her eyes are wide when she looks back at me.

“I can’t believe you two haven’t met. Spencer, this is my cousin Joselyn—I’m sure I’ve mentioned Sly. Sly, this is Spencer, my associate…”

“The one from Columbia? The arrogant Simon Cowell-type?” Her fleeting moment of smitten-ness is replaced with overprotectiveness. Her tone turns bossy. “Your reputation precedes you.”

Spencer’s eyes flash, and the smallest smile curls his lips. He takes a step forward, extending a polished hand. “Maybe we should get to know each other better before you pass judgment.”

“I’m sure I know enough already.” She lifts her chin defiantly, and the effect it has on my old buddy Spence is palpable.

“Spencer actually came to give me a vase for Ms. Nelly Rushmore. He was being kind—”

“A habit I don’t intend to cultivate.” His voice is low, and his hazel eyes are fixed on my cousin.

“I’m sure.” Sly isn’t backing down. “Wouldn’t want you to strain a muscle.”

He clears his throat, shaking himself from the lure of my cousin. “I’d better get to the office. Keep in mind what I said about the set, Daisy. And Joselyn, I hope to see you again.”

She doesn’t answer, and he strides out the door. As soon as he’s gone, she turns to me, shaking her head. “I see what you mean. Total conceited jerk.”

“I can give you his number if you want it.” I wipe my nose with the damp tissue.

Just because my love life is in the toilet, doesn’t mean she can’t be happy.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I like nice men.”

“I’ve heard he can be nice… although I think it was meant in more of a sexual context.”

She waves a hand. “Are you okay? What can I do?”

My lips press together and that pain in my chest expands again. My eyes heat, and the tears spill again, unbidden, unwelcome. “I don’t think I can work today.”

“Oh, Daisy!” She pulls me to her, hugging me close. “Go upstairs and lie down. Watch Netflix, eat all the ice cream. Is Melody at school?”

I shake my head. “She’s upstairs. She’s so sad.” More tears.

“You two cuddle. I’ll run the store.” She walks me to the stairs and gives me another hug. “I swear, the next time I see that Scout Dunne…”

“Thanks, Sly.” I give her one last squeeze and carry my box of tissues upstairs.

When I get to our apartment, Melody is in the middle of our bed sleeping in a little ball. I cover her with a blanket, but I don’t feel like lying down. I go to the living room, thinking I’ll watch something mindless, until I see the record player still open, that record still on the turntable. The echoes of the song drift to me, and I sit on the couch and cry.

Twenty-Nine

Daisy

It’s twilight when I open my eyes, and I’m disoriented. What time is it? My eyes land on the clock, five-thirty. It gets dark so early now that it’s fall. Where’s Melody?

I sit up fast, and a blanket falls from my shoulders. I didn’t get a blanket before I laid down. A piece of paper drifts to the floor, and I scoop it up. It’s Sly’s handwriting.

Wasn’t sure if you’d check your phone. Don’t worry—I have Melody. Thought she might like to play football with Jesse. Rest and I’ll bring her home tomorrow.

A sad smile curls my lips, and I fall back on the couch. Of course, Melody would want to play with Jesse. He’s so much like his uncle, and playing football with him will make her smile, it’ll take her mind off missing her dad.

Hopping up, I toss the blanket and scoop my phone off the kitchen table. I shoot my cousin a quick text, You really are the best. Thank you.

I drop my phone on the couch, but when I get to the kitchen, I remember Scout’s promise to Facetime Melody. He would have to call my phone to do it. Doubling back, I’m about to check for a missed call when a loud scraping noise comes from the French doors.

It’s followed by a thump, and I hesitate, wondering if an animal is on the balcony. Shit! I don’t want a squirrel in here—or worse, a raccoon… Reaching for the broom, I freeze at the sandpaper voice.

“Daisy May… It’s about time we had a chat. Since you blew me off at the bar.”

“Travis?” I jump away, towards the kitchen. “Are you okay? You sound kind