“I never told you that I saw Leigh before she left.”
Fuck. I thought only Marcus knew that I slept with Leigh.
“I was there when her dad arrived at the apartment. It was… different. I can’t even explain what I saw, Jax. They didn’t huddle together and mourn their loss. He spoke to her as if he was telling a stranger that a loved one didn’t make it. She didn’t respond like a girl who had just lost her mother.”
He lets out a heavy breath and shakes his head as if what he saw still doesn’t make sense to him.
“She challenged him. She wanted to know exactly when her mother died. I mean down to the last detail. Her dad told her. Fuck, I’d be traumatized for life if someone had to tell me my dad died like that. Not Leigh. She needed to understand that she couldn’t save her mother. It was fucking heartbreaking.”
I take a deep breath as regret grips my heart. I should’ve stayed with her. Fuck, I was stupid. I let her push me away while she needed me most.
“I’m not telling you this to make you feel like shit. I’m telling you this so you’ll understand that she’s different. You’re polar opposites.”
I lean forward and look Carter in the eyes. “Marcus said the same thing to me. I understand that you’re looking out for her.”
He opens his mouth to say something, but I hold up my hand.
“And that you’re looking out for me. What you and Marcus need to understand is that I know all of those things. I love her because she’s different. She challenges me. It’s because she’s my opposite that we fit so perfectly together. Now please tell me what time her flight is.”
“It’s at three.”
“Thank you.”
I get up and look at the time as I leave his office. It’s ten am. I have five hours to get everything ready.
888
LEIGH
When I walk into Starbucks, I take a deep breath of the aroma. I look around and spot Willow where she’s sitting at a table near the window. I make my way over to her and place my bag next to the table.
r />
“Have you ordered yet?”
“Yes, and I got your favorite so you can sit.”
When I’m seated, I smile at her. Seeing her now, I feel much better than I did yesterday. Knowing that I can help Marcus makes a significant difference in the atmosphere between us.
“Marcus told me that you’re going to operate on him.”
She takes hold of my hand and gives it a squeeze. I can see the hope and gratefulness swirling in her eyes, and it’s all the thanks I need.
“How are you?” I ask, just wanting to catch up with my friend.
“Work is okay. I don’t get to design my own pieces yet. It’s a family-owned business, so there isn’t exactly room for growth, you know.”
“Can’t you find work at a fashion house that will allow you to make your own pieces?”
They call Willow’s name, and she leaves to collect our order.
“Thank you,” I say as I take a deep breath of the rich caffeine.
“I need the experience.” She takes a sip of her beverage which is some green tea concoction. “How have you been? How’s your dad?”
“He’s doing well. Still stubborn as hell.”
“And you?” she asks from over the rim of her cup.