the frosty demeaner and heart of ice. “No. You’re not okay.
Stupid question.” She glanced at the glass in her hand. “I’ll
have this for you. I know you probably want to leave right
away.”
“Hmm?” Coralyn didn’t think much could surprise her at
the moment, but that did.
“You’ll want to go see your dad,” Giana prodded gently.
She finished one drink and tossed back the other, wincing as
she did. “Oh my God, that’s nasty. Why do I even have this in
the house? I can’t possibly like it, can I?” She looked so much
younger than she had in her office. The beginning of a shy
smile was even forming. “I just needed something fortifying. I
thought it was a good idea. I’m regretting it now.”
A spike of panic shot through her. “Marrying me?” I regret
that too. More than you know. More than you’ll ever realize.
I’m sorry.
“No. The whisky. I should have had a cup of coffee or
something.”
Coralyn stood up. “You’re right.” She stared at her dress,
using all her dismay over the course of the last twenty-four
hours as she did. It was enough, because Giana made a noise
in her throat.
“You can’t go in that. Or, you shouldn’t have to. You’ll
freeze. Go upstairs and pick something out of my closet.
Anything you want. I’m not sure about sizing, but I have
workout gear that should fit and it’s comfy. While you’re up
there, I’ll make you something to take with you. Hospital food
sucks and you need a meal. You’re so pale you look like
you’re going to collapse.”
The magnitude of her relief at having been extended a way