Chapter 73
After years of hoping to see Declan’s name light up my screen, being in regular contact with him—both professionally and now personally—is strange. I feel stressed now that he’s calling.
“Hi,” I answer.
“The wake is going to be tomorrow with the funeral the following day. I know it’s short notice.”
“Most people say, ‘hi, how are you?’”
He chuckles. “Are you able to take off work? I already bumped our next rebrand call to Wednesday.”
“That will be fine. I can make it work.”
“I’ll drive us.”
Spending two hours in a car alone with Declan? What could go wrong? A lot.
“I was thinking it would be a good excuse to ride my bike.”
“I think it would be a good opportunity for us to chat.”
“I don’t know.”
“Come on. Just ride with me. Do you need a place to stay?”
“No!” I probably say it far too quickly. But no fucking way am I staying with him at his lake house. “I’m staying at my parents’ house.”
“Oh, cool. I’ll pick you up tomorrow around two.”
“I didn’t agree to you driving me.”
“Dani …”
It’s a beg, a plea, and it’s so loaded. It lingers. Riding in a car with Declan isn’t breaking the rules. I think about G and this break we’re on. Declan and I have so much to talk about.
“Fine. See you then.” I tap the end call button, making my way to the office in my apartment.
Sitting at my desk, I consider pouring myself a glass of wine. I smile, thinking how it’s been four days since I had a drink, and decide against having one, keeping the streak going. I take a deep breath. At least one part of my life is under control.