Page 45 of Choosing Us

“Hi. Yes, I’m just … I’m just over New York.”

And my family.

And douchebags like Stuart Lockwood, but mostly my family.

Ryan hums. “When do you come back to Nashville? Or … can you come back early?”

“My flight home is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, but maybe I need to think of a reason to bump that up.”

“I think that’s a great idea, especially if it’s not going well. Are you sure you’re okay?” I have to fight my initial reaction to doubt his sincerity. Growing up with the family I did, I’m not accustomed to people caring without motivation to benefit somehow.

But I don’t think that’s how the Callahans operate, and definitely not Ryan.

I hum in agreement. “I am okay, just tired, I think. At this point, I’d rather be home alone in Nashville than here.”

“Great movie.”

I smile at his reply. “Yes, even if the first one is better than the second.”

“Can I do anything to help?” Ryan asks.

“No, I don’t think so. But there’s been some sort of mix-up at the event I’m at with my family, and somehow, my name won the top auction package for four times the amount what my single bid was.” Seriously, how does that even happen?

“What? That sounds expensive. There’s no way you’re responsible for that if it wasn’t your bid. Do you need help with getting that sorted? Tech isn’t my thing, but my brother knows someone that’s a genius with it.”

“If you’re talking about Liam, I’m sure it’s Sophia, and yeah, I have her number since she joined book club last month. That’s a good idea, actually. She could probably get me answers faster than the yahoos running things here. I just want to go home.” My voice cracks, and I am mortified to feel tears well up in my eyes. I don’t do this; I don’t break like this. Why does this man’s willingness to help make me want to let him fix anything and everything? I barely contain a sob that threatens to break through, much to my mortification.

“Hey. It’s okay. Do you need … or do you want me to come to New York? I’m sure Jack will let me borrow his jet, and I could be there relatively soon.”

A bark of laughter escapes me as I sit in the bougie bathroom, crying over a stupid expensive vacation I accidentally won. “You don’t need to do that, Ryan, but I appreciate it.”

“Are you sure? You can hitch a ride back home with me then cancel your flight altogether,” he prods.

“That seems quite extravagant for me just having a shitty evening.” Apparently, my filter has completely abandoned ship at this point.

“It’s not, if it’s what you need. What do you say, Lo?”

“That’s very generous, but I assure you, I can find my way out of this on my own—and my way home.”

“I know you are more than capable, but Harlow? You sound … sad. I don’t like it, and you just have to say the word. I’ll come and call in The Cavalry to rescue you from the evil wicked ball.”

I laugh at that. “The Cavalry, huh? I don’t think I need your army of brothers and sisters, but I do appreciate the offer. Seriously, that’s very kind of you.” My heart warms at the offer, and I know he would put things in motion if I were to say yes.

“Jack will lend his jet, Liam can get Sophia on the auction issue while I’m in the air flying to you, and I’m sure Sav and Viv can find some way to help, even Finn, if you need everyone.”

“Oh! But Vivian would tell Walker, and that … feels complicated.”

“Okay, then I’ll have Savannah help and beg for forgiveness from Vivian down the road.”

“But … why? Why would you do that for me?” This can’t be an offer made to everyone, and I can’t quite understand why he’s doing this.

“Well, first of all, you’re one of Vivi’s people, so you automatically get the rest of us, that’s how The Cavalry math works.”

Oh. He’s offering because I’m his sister’s friend. That’s … disappointing.

“But do you know the biggest reason why I’d offer to do this?” Ryan asks.

I’m not sure I want to hear him say something like he sees me as a sister or a similar sentiment. “No, what’s that?”