188. Courtney
Chapter 188
Courtney
I lean against the counter.
He was going to say us .
He was going to say it wasn’t like us .
As in he loves me.
That has to be what he was about to say.
I blink, forcing away the dampness building in my eyes.
“Sterling—” a noise drags my attention to the kitchen window.
“Courtney, I?—”
“Sorry, hold on, someone is here.” I watch as a somewhat beat-up blue SUV pulls up to a stop in front of the house.
“What do you mean? Who is it?” Sterling’s tone has completely changed. Going on alert.
“I don’t know.” I keep watching as a man, about my age, exits the vehicle. “It’s a guy. He parked in front of the house. Are you expecting anyone today?”
“No. Do you recognize him?”
I focus on the man’s face. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Keep me on the phone. I’m going to text Simpson to come to the house so you aren’t alone with him.” The audio changes, and I picture Sterling switching me to speaker.
“Okay.” His reaction seems a bit overkill, but I do like the protectiveness. “I’m going to hold you at my side.”
The man outside is looking around, but I know it’s only a matter of moments before he climbs the steps to the front door. And I’d rather meet him outside the house than on the threshold, so I hurry across the kitchen and swing the door open.
Sterling says something, but I can’t make it out.
“Hello.” I greet the stranger.
Ben slips out the door with me but stays by my side.
The man lifts a hand. “Hey, there. I’m looking for a Sterling Black.”
He’s being friendly, but I stick to a partial truth. “Right place, bad time.” I smile to soften it. “He’s busy at the moment, can I help you?”
The man approaches the base of the stairs, hand out, so I hurry down the steps to meet him.
“I’m Dale Norton.” I place my hand in his as he speaks. “I’m a few days early, but I’m the new maintenance guy.”
I stare at the man, Dale, not comprehending.
“Sorry, what?” I croak.
The new maintenance guy.
A few days early.
Panic starts to claw at my throat.
He’s here for my job.
My contract that ends December thirty-first.
My…
My heart fucking aches.
A muffled sound comes from my phone.
But my ears are ringing. And I can’t make it out.
“Marty said it shouldn’t be a problem to come a couple days early. Said a bunk should be open.” Dale sounds a lot less upbeat than a moment ago, and I’m sure the devastation I feel is showing on my face.
I shake my head and force my mouth into a smile. “No, that’s fine.”
Movement past Dale catches my attention.
Simpson is striding toward us, concern written all over his face.
“Court, you good?” he calls out.
Dale lets go of my hand and turns toward the newcomer .
“I’m good.” My tone is fake, but I keep my smile in place as I gesture to the man in front of me. “This is Dale.”
Dale holds his hand out.
Simpson shakes it but keeps looking at me.
I wet my lips. “He’s the new maintenance person.”
Simpson rears his head back.
I shake mine, needing him to accept this.
I don’t want to make a scene.
“Could you show him where to park?” My question is a plea.
I need Dale away from my— Sterling’s house.
I need him away from me.
Simpson nods, and I don’t wait around for more.
Spinning, I hurry back up the steps, Ben on my heels, as I rush back inside.
My replacement is here.
I close the door, then lean against it as I suck in air.
Sterling wouldn’t do this.
He wouldn’t just replace me and kick me out.
I lift the phone to my ear. “Sterling?” I whisper.
“Court—”
The connection is choppy.
It sounds like he’s moving.
I don’t have much time before I’ll lose him. So I ask the only question that matters right now. “Did you know?”
His harsh breaths come over the line. “I—” His answer breaks up. But the next part comes through clear. “I forgot.”
Then the call drops completely.
I forgot.
Not I didn’t know.