“What?”
I went still. Erica had said she was okay with it, understood why I lied…but she got over it so quickly. I was surprised, but I didn’t wanted to press my luck.
He nodded, taking off his glasses. I noticed the bags under his eyes then.
He murmured, “She’s trying to be a supportive friend, but she’s hurt.”
Erica was shaking the reporter’s hand and then the camera guy’s. Everyone was smiling. They seemed almost giddy. I didn’t see a hurt friend, but if Wanker said it, it was true. He knew her the best.
“Well, shit.”
“Erica loves you. She’s hurt that you lied to her, but she understands why you lied.” He peered over my shoulder, also watching the woman he loved. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t think it will take much to make her feel better. Probably an extra few words about how your friendship means the world to you.”
“It does.” She was family. I realized that now. “It really does.”
“Tell her, and she’ll love you forever.” His voice dropped, filled with pride. “She’s a good person like that.”
I looked up at him and saw the love for her in his eyes. “You need to tell her how you feel.”
He looked down, meeting my gaze. He let out his own sigh. “I know. Maybe one day. Maybe when I think she’ll return the words.” His hand squeezed my shoulder. “I’m going to wait outside, talk to the officers, and see where they suggest we head to now.”
I nodded as he slipped out the door, and I didn’t wait for long. Erica came over right after. She saw Wanker leaving. Although sounding out of breath, she was glowing. “Where’s he going?”
“He left, so I could tell you how much—”
“Ah.” She held up a hand, stopping me. Her head bobbed up and down. “I got it. And I know what you’re going to say, but you don’t have to.”
Well, damn.
She added, “I was hurt, yes, but I get it. I do. After hearing what you said just now, how could I not get it? I’m just hurt that you were hurt and felt like you couldn’t trust me, if that makes any sense.” A rueful grin appeared, and she rolled her eyes. “Not to toot my own horn, but I did good with that interview. I was on point, and now listen to me. Bumbling idiot”—she pointed to herself—“right here.”
And I wouldn’t have her any other way. “Thank you.”
She reached for my hand and squeezed it, then pulled me in for a tight hug. She held me close. “You are so beautiful and kind and amazing, and I just wanted to tell you that.” She let me go and fanned herself, blinking rapidly. “I can’t cry, not in front of those two behind us, but Jo,” her hands fell to my arms. “When you took your contacts out, I couldn’t believe it! That was amazing.” A fond expression entered her eyes. “Thank you for trusting me.”
I was the lucky one. She had no idea.
“Okay. For real. We have to go or I’m going to break down.”
I nodded. “I’ll be right behind you. I need to check my phone quick.”
She raised her voice, calling over my head, “Thank you for everything, guys!”
They waved.
I wanted to see Kian. He was next on my list to make sure everything was right between us. I called him and texted. There was no response before the interview. Checking my phone now as Erica went to the door, a lump lodged itself in my throat when I saw one simple and solitary text message.
Outside.
There was something hot and delicious about that one word, but I was also nervous as hell. If he was angry, if he was disappointed, if he was hurt—I couldn’t think about those scenarios.
I followed Erica outside, but leaned close once the door shut behind us. “He’s here.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Who?” But she leaned her head close, dropping her voice. “Kian?”
I nodded.
She glanced at the door. “Let’s go before they do. They’ll use him being here for part of their package.”
“Package?”
“Yeah.” Her eyes narrowed a tiny bit. “The interview went live, but they’ll use this footage in their own package, too. I’m sure they’ll broadcast it tonight.”
“Oh.” That made sense. “Okay.”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure they’ll spin it in a positive way.”
The two officers were standing next to the door. Wanker was leaning against the wall, his hands in his pockets. All three of them regarded me. There was no Kian, but he was here. He was somewhere. I could feel him.
I started for the corner, but paused. “Erica?” I looked at her.
She waved me off. “Go. Be with your man. I’m going to get drunk to celebrate.”
That was all I needed, and immediately, the warmth of knowing I’d see Kian shortly filled me up. I started walking around the corner.