Chapter Eight
In the dining room, Ricardo held Evelyn’s hand. It was evident he loved her dearly. The amount of anguish they must have felt over the situation was immeasurable. I cleared my throat. Their eyes turned to Hastings and then to me.
Garrick’s hand on my lower back helped give me additional strength. “I know I’ve been saying this a lot, but I’m sorry for leaving so abruptly. I want to get to know everyone. Hastings suggested that all communication regarding our, er…situation could be sent through Garrick.”
“I think that would be best, too.” Ricardo stood and adjusted his suit jacket. “Evelyn and I want you to be comfortable. We’re all learning how to deal with this situation.”
Evelyn’s eyes were glassy. The compulsion to hug her overtook me, and I walked forward as she said, “All that matters is that you’re safe and I have you back in my life. I’ll take whatever I can get.”
“Thanks for being so understanding while I adjust,” I replied.
Hopefully, the two worlds could remain separate. If the Monroes weren’t able to do so, Garrick would make sure of it.
Joe whispered something into Garrick’s ear, to which he replied, “Yes.” Leaning his head slightly, Joe spoke something into his mic while Garrick addressed the group.
“Knoah’s friend Sawyer is on her way up. I would imagine she and Kurt will be coming this way. I would appreciate it if you kept up the charade of being business associates for the time being—at least until Knoah decides to disclose the information. Sawyer has no idea about Dylan or that part of her life, either.”
I grinned. “Sawyer is here?”
“Yes, she was pulling into the parking lot when Joe came in.”
I hadn’t seen her in over a week. What would I say about the Monroes? Sawyer might see through the ruse.
Evelyn reached her hand out. “I think we should take the elevator to Garrick’s office like we came in so you can enjoy your friend.”
“You don’t have to go.” Part of me wanted them to stay. I actually wanted to talk to them, but it wasn’t the right time.
Tentatively she touched my cheek. When I didn’t pull back, she cupped my face. “I know. I just don’t think I can pretend you don’t mean more to me than you do. And I don’t want you to have to disclose something before you’re ready.”
“Thank you.”
There was hesitation in Evelyn’s movements as she gathered her things to leave. Part of me wanted to ask them to stay, but I needed to talk to Sawyer on my own before I integrated my two worlds. Ricardo and Hastings murmured good-byes. Evelyn turned to leave when I grabbed her elbow.
“I…I…” What did I want to say?
Evelyn’s face became filled with joy. “There will be time, my sweet Knoah. We will have time to get to know each other now that we’ve found each other again.”
Another security man escorted the Monroes to the back of the apartment where there was a direct elevator to Garrick’s office. I hadn’t known this way existed until today. Sawyer would never see them. It would make it easier without them there. With them in the room, I felt on display and not able to act naturally. In time, maybe things would feel more organic with them.
Will they want to start calling me Bridgette? I wasn’t connected to the name and wanted to remain Knoah. More to think about, I figured. Maybe at some point, I would ask Evelyn somehow.
There were three knocks on the door, and I nodded to Joe to open it. Per Garrick, I was no longer to open doors. The thought was unpleasant, but I understood the reason behind it.
Joe opened it, and Sawyer walked in, all dressed up, which was odd for a weekend. Shorts and T-shirts were normally her thing. A wraparound dress seemed a bit dressy.
Oh yeah. Kurt.
Oh jeez, they were playing with fire. Sawyer and Kurt were going to be roommates next door. I suspected there was an attraction between them, and from the look of Sawyer, I was right.
“Oh, color me happy. It’s my best friend!” Sawyer dropped her purse and engulfed me in a hug.
How I’d missed her! So much had happened. Where in the world do I start?
I hugged her harder before I pulled back. “Hey, stranger. How’s your mom?”
“She’s settled. Doctor says everything looks good. And your boyfriend was amazeballs through it all with the plane, and—oh my holy fuck, is that an engagement ring on your finger?”
“Umm…” Why did everyone notice it right off the bat? I never had a chance to say it. Garrick’s family, the Monroes, Kurt, and now Sawyer. The ring was a like a beacon.
Sawyer shrilly yelled and jumped, nearly scaring me to death. Three security men were in the room instantly, and she stopped to survey them. “Well…that’s never happened before. I scream and men come running.”
I turned back to face Garrick, who kept his jaw locked to keep from laughing.
“Is this diamond real? Or are you guys punking me? Are there hidden cameras?”
Dramatically Sawyer looked around the room, her eyes wide. This was obviously a shock considering I hadn’t mentioned how serious things had gotten in Utah.
Garrick raised his eyebrow. “Yes, the diamond is real. I didn’t buy Knoah a cubic zirconia.”
“Holy freaking hell! Knoah, you’re getting married. And you have a giant-ass diamond. Like whoa big. I’m so happy for you.” Sawyer paused. “Wait, why are all these men here? I mean, it’s incredible that I screamed and they ran, but why? I feel like I’m in The Twilight Zone.”
Tonight I needed to tell Sawyer about Dylan. I wanted my best friend to know that part of my life.
The front door opened to Joe with Kurt on his heels. For a second, Sawyer’s eyes lit up before she contained herself. An easy smile spread across Kurt’s face.
Yes, this definitely spelled trouble.