Page 137 of Fierce Storm
“You have to go to New York?”
“I do.” My chest tightens until I realize that’s probably a good idea. It will give us both a chance to think about how we want to move forward from here. I want Sal in my life, that much I know. It’s thehowthat has my stomach in knots.
It’s easy to tell myself I don’t care what anyone thinks about me, or our relationship, but when those people are my friends, my colleagues, myfamily, it’s harder to ignore.
“It’s the worst fucking timing. There’s an issue with one of my sites and I have to meet with lawyers and?—”
“Lawyers? Is everything okay?”
“It will be. But we need to talk first. Can?—”
“You should go. We can talk when you get back. Nothing is going to change between now and then. In fact, things may be better. They might have settled down a little.”
“Keeley, I?—”
“Please, Sal. D’Angelo Construction is important. How long will you be gone for? A week?”
“A couple of days, at most.”
“There you go. You’ll be back before anyone’s even moved on from the gossip.” I wince at the words coming out of my mouth, but it’s the truth. We’ll be a hot topic for a while; I have no doubt.
Sal’s quiet for a beat until he clears his throat. “I’m coming over.”
“What?”
“I’m coming over.”
“Sal.” I laugh. “You’re being crazy. I’ll be here when you get back. I promise. You have to go.” I refuse to be a woman who holds back her man.
“I’m already pulling up out front. Let me up when they buzz you. Okay?”
I close my eyes while my heart beats frantically in my chest.
“Okay.”
“Thank you.”
I hang up to a slew of texts, one from Callum, checking in, and the rest from the girls in our group chat.
HAYLEY: Hi Keeley. Now that you’ve had a night of peace, I have to ask… Do you have something to tell us?
The girls all messaged last night asking about my mom, and I was surprised when none of them mentioned Sal. Now I understand.
AMELIA: Leave her alone. She’ll tell us when she’s ready
HAYLEY: Of course. Tell us when you’re ready. As long as it’s soon
BLAIR: Take your time, we’re all here to talk if you need us
HAYLEY: The guys’ chat is blowing up too. Blair’s right. We’re all here
HAYLEY sent a photo
I groan, burying my face into my hands. That was not the best way for everyone to find out about Sal and me. And I can’t help but notice that Paige wasn’t part of that group chat. She seemed okay last night. I have to wonder, is that still the case this morning? After she’s had a chance to think it through or talk to Easton.
My intercom buzzes, and I stare at the machine on the wall before pressing the button to let Sal in, slowly walking toward the door. I hover in the entry, pacing anxiously, until he knocks.
With my hand curled around the handle, I take a deep breath before opening the door, and the second I see Sal, all of my pain, all of my insecurities, instantly melt away. He’s like an off switch for my mind. When he’s around, the noise disappears.
