Page 79 of Forbidden Forward

“Are you saying things aren’t squared away here because you’re in charge?” My joke misses the mark.

“Not funny, Colby.”

My alarm system ramps up. Peggy usually gives as good as she gets. On top of that, she’s the poster child for serenity—it’s one of the things I love about her. She has a way of keeping me and everyone around her grounded. Have I ever seen an agitated Peggy before? Don’t think so.

“I was kidding, Peg. You know that. None of this could happen without you at the helm.”

She huffs.

The truck idles as I try to puzzle out what the problem is. “This isn’t any different from last year. Even if I get traded, I’ll be around for part of June and all of July and August. And guess what?” When she doesn’t answer, I keep going. “My agent texted me a little while ago. LA is interested in signing me, so I could be right back where I started.”

She huffs again.

“Why are you so put out?”

“I’m not put out,” she snaps.

Whoa!

“Poor choice of words on my part. Peg, tell me what’s really eating you.”

“Nothing. I’m just having a bad day.”

I even my voice. “Do you want to tell me why you’re having a bad day? I can be a good listener.”

“No, Colby. Not this time.”

After an abrupt good-bye, she hangs up and I’m left staring at my phone. What the hell was that all about?

Another text pings, and I realize I haven’t answered Jackie yet.

Don’t mean to be pesky, but I wondered what time we’re planning dinner at yours tonight? Donny’s out for the evening around 6, and I might have picked up some new lacy bits.

She adds a winking emoji.

Scrubbing my hand over my face, I try to formulate an answer. Yes, I want to see her tonight—so damn much desire pounds in my veins. No, I don’t want to see her tonight. What I really don’t want is to put her in any more jeopardy with her brother. But I can’t explain that to her, can I? Doing so means repeating what Harper said about kicking her to the curb.

I finally pull onto the street while my conflicted emotions war. I evade Jackie’s messages by calling Lindsey instead. I haven’t spoken to my sis in a week, and it’s time to catch up anyway.

She picks up on the second ring, clearly out of breath. “Hey, Colby James.”

“Hey, Lindsey Gail. Did you just wheel another marathon or something?”

“No. Left my phone in the bedroom. What’s up?” Her voice is unusually cool.

“Did I … interrupt anything?” Shit! What if she is seeing someone and I just interrupted … something. My stomach curdles.

“No. Just … stewing.”

“What’s up with the women in my life today?” I chortle. “First Peggy, and now you.”

“Why? What did Peggy say?” I can practically hear my sister’s eyes narrow.

“She didn’t say shit, but she didn’t have to. Her tone said it all.”

“And what did her tone say?”

A car horn honks. It occurs to me I’m sitting at a green light, and I wave an apology. “What the actual fuck is going on?”