“Because he’s under enough pressure and I don’t want him feeling guilty. I have to explain this to him myself, or he won’t understand.”
“Yet you don’t mind freezing him out when it’s most crucial.” Parker raises a loaded brow over the top of my phone. “There, sent.”
Dante comes running into the living room with his phone in his hand. “I knewed it. I got two orders already! Can we call Troy?”
“He’s busy, baby,” I say, running my fingers through his hair. “Why don’t you make a video to thank him and text it? He’ll love it.”
“K!”
“He’s replying,” Parker says, lifting the phone to me.
I shake my head. “I can’t, not right now.”
She rolls her eyes reading his response before replying. “I’ll figure out an excuse for you until you get your shit together.”
“Thanks,” I say, shouldering my purse and calling out to Dante. “I’m leaving, Peanut. I’ll be home late, so be good for Parker.”
“K, Mommy!”
Troy
Troy: Morning, baby.
Clarissa: How’s it going?
Troy: I murdered my dash yesterday, thanks to you.
Clarissa: Awesome. We’re so proud of you. Hey, Parker is taking me to the spa for a few days as a late birthday present, because she’s the best friend that ever lived. Your mom is watching Dante so you can reach him there. Kick that ass! I’ll text you when I get back.
Troy: I’ve got a half-hour before I check-in. Can you FaceTime?
Clarissa: We’re boarding.
Troy: Boarding?
Clarissa: The spa is in Arizona. Cell phone use is limited. It’s a cleansing thing, which I need because I’m way too uptight.
Troy: No, you’re not. You had a bad scare. And I’m so fucking sorry. I’ll get down to the bottom of it when I get home.
Clarissa: Okay.
Troy: You believe me, right?
Clarissa: I believe in you. Make us proud.
Troy: I’m working on it. Just keep the home fires burning.
Clarissa: I’ll do my part if you do yours. (Winky face emoji)
Happy and relieved, I toss my napkin down on the room service tray and reach under the covers to give the grand commander a pep talk. Seconds later, I shoot off a text.
Troy: How’s that for my part? (Devil emoji)
Clarissa: Oh, wow. You sent a picture of your dick.
I chuckle.
Troy: What my baby wants my baby gets. I’m so fucking glad we’re okay. Enjoy yourself. You deserve it. Miss you.