“Oh? Let me guess—the same hospital Orlando’s in?”
“Yep.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Oh, I know what I’m doing, all right. I’m going to heal him if it takes everything I’ve got.”
I took a deep breath. Harriet’s drive was new and sudden. “Got to go.”
When I hung up, I noticed another missed call from Lachlan. My heart sang.
I stole a glance at Ethan. He was skinnier than Lachlan and lacked that same animal allure. But Lachlan Peace was a one-off. No man would ever compare.
In any case, I wasn’t in the right state to think about potential boyfriends. Hating how consumed I’d become, I craved the old me—that driven art lover.
My phone vibrated again. Seeing Lachlan’s seductive face on the screen made me smile. I hovered my finger over the screen. Then a voice within told me to make him work harder.
After that, the day flew. I made sure everything for the opening was set to go, including stocking the fridge with snacks and cheap champagne.
After struggling through the late-afternoon traffic, we finally arrived at the dance school, where we found Lachlan’s mom sharing a laugh with her guitarist.
She smiled at us. “Ah… Miranda and Avita.”
Ava giggled at her Spanish name and ran over to the box of shoes. It broke my heart to see her rummage for them.
“Thanks for letting Ava borrow shoes.”
Belen held up a finger. “Ah. Look what I’ve got.” She reached into a bag and pulled out a small pair of red shoes.
Ava’s eyes bulged with delight at the gorgeous Cuban-heeled shoes, while I, too, was having my own TheRed Shoes moment.
Before I could respond, Ava was on the ground, tying them up.
“They’re so beautiful,” I said.
“They were mine. They’re hers now,” Belen said.
“But that’s so kind. You don’t want to keep them for a…”
“A grandchild, you mean? I’ve had my children.” She smiled. “Maybe one day, Lachlan—”
Her sudden pause made me wonder if Lachlan had told her about our breakup.
“I have a trunk of shoes,” she concluded. “And they’re all very nice.”
Ava sprang up and did a perfect turn.
“She’s a beautiful girl. I want her in a concert with Manolito. He should be here.” She looked worried.
Just as she spoke, Manuel ran in and straight into her arms, in what was a touching scene.
I turned, and Lachlan stood before me.
My legs barely held me up. “Oh.”
“And hi to you too,” he said with a gleaming smile, though it was only surface deep. As I held his gaze, his tiredness became apparent.
Belen hugged Lachlan then, narrowing her eyes, studied him closely before turning to me.