“Erm…” I muttered.
“Kitten, you gotta cal her.” This was said softly.
“I know,” I whispered, squeezed my eyes shut hard then said, “Fuck.”
“I’l be there. You’l be fine.”
At least that made me feel better. “Okay.”
“One of the guys’l pick you up.”
“Okay.”
“Around one.”
“Sure.”
“You got a list for the grocery store, bring it. I’l swing by King Soopers on the way home.”
Another happy shiver.
“You want Belgian waffles tomorrow or leftover coffee cake?” I asked him.
“Coffee cake.”
“You gonna be home for dinner?”
“I want to say yes, but we’l see.”
“Okay, I’l plan flexible.”
“Later, Kitten.” I heard the smile in his voice.
“Later.” I hoped he heard the smile in mine.
Disconnect.
God, I loved him.
* * * * *
The cel phone Hector gave me rang at a quarter to noon. I went to it, thinking it would be Mace again and hoping he didn’t have to back out on lunch (or dinner) when I flipped it open and said, “Hel o?”
“Stel a?”
It was Lana.
“Hey Lana. How’re you?”
“I’m packing and freaking out. That’s how I am. Chloe and I’l be in Denver tomorrow.”
Oh my God!
“That’s great!” I said to Lana.
“I hope you’re right, sweetie. Chloe’s freaking out even more than me. Kai and her… Kai was bad after… he thought Chloe blamed him. He convinced himself of it. No matter what she said…” She trailed off then breathed, “Oh God.”
“It’s al gonna be okay,” I said like I knew it was true but I knew no such thing.