Happiness floats through me at that news. “How is Jolene?”
He drinks some whisky and eyes me over the rim of the glass. “Surprisingly good. She’s come a long way. The appeal is coming up in a few months, and she’s found a way to think positive thoughts about it. The fact they were able to match DNA evidence from the original murder investigation to Alanis should ensure the appeal is successful. And her relationship with Sean just blows me away.”
I smile. “That’s so good to hear. It sounds like you guys are happy.”
His eyes hold mine. “We’re divorced, Callie.”
I nod. “I know.”
We sit in silence for a couple of minutes, just watching each other. I feel the most relaxed I’ve felt since we broke up. Just being with him makes me happy.
He finishes his drink and places the glass on the table. Standing, he says, “You wanna have dinner together later?”
I try to push the disappointment I’m feeling away. I’m unsuccessful, though, because I was just settling into our conversation. I nod. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll come get you at seven?”
“Sounds good. You want my room number?” I dig in my bag to locate it because I can’t remember it.
“No. I already know it,” he says. “I’ll see you then.”
He leaves me sitting in stunned silence.
He knows my room number.
He was watching me.
I can only hope this won’t get messy.
Or maybe we’ll finally figure out a way to make messy work for us.
Luke arrives early.
I’m not ready.
The room is in chaos, and so am I.
I fling the door open and eye him wildly. “You’re early.” It comes out like an accusation.
His lips twitch as his eyes roam my body. “Tell me you don’t answer the door like that to everyone. Please.”
I look down at what I’m wearing.
Oh, hell.
What the fuck was I thinking?
I throw my arms across my body trying to cover myself. I’ve answered the door dressed only in my lingerie—one of my bras that covers very little and pushes my tits up and out, and panties that consist mostly of string. Well, it may as well be string.
He walks into my room. “There’s no need to cover up. I’ve seen it all before, Callie.”
Ignoring him, I wrench open the cupboard and locate the dress I’ve decided to wear tonight. I rip it off the coat hanger and throw it over my head. In my haste, the zipper gets stuck in my hair.
Fuck.
Please, God, fix this.
Now.