Page 48 of Bad Influence
“That’s great, thank you.”
The playoffs are far away and there’s no guarantee they’ll win, but I confirm a date and add it to my schedule anyway. Putting my phone on the table, I see Caroline’s phone lying face down where she left it last night. A card is tucked into the clear cover.
Aiden Fairchild. Blackwood, Pierce & Caldwell.
It’s a New York number, so it’s someone she met at the partylast night. The man Lilith introduced her to? He’s the only one Caroline talked to long enough to get his number.
Whydidshe get his number?
The only person who can answer that question is asleep right now. Maybe she needs legal assistance? I’m still not over the fact she stabbed my brother. I’ve always believed Caroline can do anything, but even I didn’t expect her to stab someone.
Caroline is standing in the kitchen drinking the coffee I brought for her by the time I come back down after my shower. I’m relieved and disappointed to see she’s wearing a fluffy pink robe over her nightclothes.
She squints at me while sipping her coffee. “I forgive you.”
“For what?” I ask.
“For being an asshat last night.”
I deserve that. “All it takes is coffee to earn your forgiveness?”
“Depends on the crime.” She takes a small bite of her breakfast sandwich and hums with satisfaction, eating with her eyes closed. She looks adorable, with her fluffy robe and hair twisted into a messy bun.
“Right, and being an asshat only requires coffee and a breakfast sandwich?”
The sun is fully out now, sparkling across the water. Off in the distance, two ferries are visible. Here, everything is quiet. It’s one of the reasons I love this apartment. You can feel like you’re part of the world while being completely cut off from it.
“It’s good coffee and a good breakfast sandwich,” Caroline emphasizes. The sunlight highlights her brown hair, making it lighter.
“I’m learning so much about you.”
She finally opens her eyes to look at me. “You’ve barely scratched the surface.”
I lean in towards her, holding her gaze. “What’s under the surface?”
A soft blush steals across her cheeks and she looks away, focusing on her sandwich. “You’ll find out if I deem you worthy.”
“And what do I have to do to be deemed worthy?” I should be smarter before asking such questions because Caroline’s lips tilt up into a winning smile, her eyes sparkling.
“I want to see New York,” she says.
I look at her flatly. “Okay…”
“I wantyouto show me New York,” she insists.
I scoff.
Caroline sighs. “I can just ask Wes. He did offer last night.”
She really knows how to play me. “I’ll do it.”
“Really?” Her eyes light up with delight.
“Yeah, really.”
“You’re sure?” Her lashes flutter as she blinks, still not believing me. I don’t blame her. I’ve been behaving rashly since she’s been here. There are a lot of emotions associated with her, with my family, that her presence has brought back. Sometimes no matter how hard we try we can’t control how we react when we’re pushed against the wall. Which is how I feel every time my family is involved.
I smile softly. “I’m sure, butterfly.”
