Page 26 of Shatter

Me: I just got a text from Mel. Not sure what's going on, but she said she needed to get away and to tell you she was heading to Bali.

My phone vibrates immediately with an incoming call.

In an instant, I know if I send it to voicemail, he'll just call again. I huff an annoyed sigh and answer it.

"Brother."

"What the fuck do you mean she just texted you?! We've been calling her for an hour," Athena screeches down the line.

I hold up Mel's phone, holding the side and making a show of turning it off. Mel's lips tip up in a hopeful smile.

Keeping my voice nonchalant, I reply. "I don't know, Athena. Maybe she was busy."

"Busy?! Busy doing what while my world collapses."

I'm silent, widening my eyes at Mel. Mel's eyes widen too, catching the obvious slip-up.

"... her... while our world collapses."

God, this woman's a narcissist.

"I don't know what to tell you, Athena. She said she was fine and was getting on a plane. Try calling her again."

I can hear Chris in the background, "... straight to voicemail."

"See? She's probably already in the air. I wouldn't worry about it."

"Harrison fucking King. Why is my daughter communicating with a random Uncle and not her mother?!" I wince and pull the phone away from my ear.

Mel rolls her eyes, but it's nice to see a bit of her brattiness coming back. I don't want to admit how much her confession earlier scared me.

"Could it have to do, maybe, with the octave of your screeching?" I bite out before thinking. Mel's hands shoot to her face to cover her mouth as she stifles a shocked giggle. I turn away just in case Athena can hear it and smile in satisfaction.

"Harrison! We're coming over there right now, and we're going to sort this out!"

Mel's smile turns to horror.

"You're welcome to try, but it's three AM, and the desk knows not to allow visitors until my normal hours. But feel free if you want to be trespassed," I say and hang up.

I text down to Brenda again, warning her that Athena and Chris aren't allowed in tonight. Tomorrow I'll figure everything else out.

Afterwards, Mel and I simply stare at each other, breathing deep.

I step between her knees and rest my hands on her thighs. Her hands immediately cover mine.

"Hi," I whisper.

"Hi," she says, a shy smile curving her lips.

"Do you want to try to nap while we wait for Parker?" I ask.

She shakes her head 'no'.

"Want me to distract you while we wait?" I ask, giving her a salacious grin.

But she shakes her head 'no', even as her cheeks pinken.

I can't blame her. I wouldn't be in the mood either if the entire world was out to get their greedy paws into what they assume is the downfall of America's sweetheart.