Page 281 of The Grand Duel

I miss the quiet understanding we shared as friends. The way he knew he could come to me with anything, and I knew I could do the same.

I think sitting in the waiting room, him with the knowledge that I was there and me with the time and quiet to think, was our way of continuing what we were as friends.

My head has never been more fucked.

At the first flash of amber, and I indicate, checking my mirrors before I swing my car across the waiting traffic.

I step through the prison entrance with my head down, my eyes tired, and my heart weighted in my chest.

I feel stupid for showing up here when I know Lance won’t see me, and I’m thankful that Jenny isn’t on the front desk when I look up, a member of security sitting in her place.

“Charles Aldridge for Lance Sullivan,” I tell the man, looking around the waiting room.

“Lance Sullivan?” the guard asks, frowning. “I have your name down already. About forty minutes ago. Just a minute, sorry.”

He pushes back from the desk, taking the piece of paper with him.

Jenny appears a moment later. “Charles, hello.” She flicks her eyes behind me, her face reddening. “Seems to be a mistake on the check-in this morning.” She frowns as if whatever she’s looking for in the waiting room isn’t where she left it.

I nod.

“I’ve not seen your face around here in a while, are you?—”

Her eyes flash, tracking motion as they flick over my shoulder.

I follow her line of sight, the world jarring when I spot Lissie stepping out of the bathroom.

“Lissie?” I turn fully, frowning.

She snaps her head up at the sound of my voice and the sight of her…of her cream pantsuit, long dark hair, down and curled, her makeup lighter than she’d normally wear to work.

She looks good.

She looks beautiful.

Completely breathtaking, actually, and I lift my hand to my chest, rubbing it.

Silence ensues, her eyes flicking around my face, maybe studying me as thoroughly as I her.

It’s been three weeks since I’ve seen her, and yet it feels like a lifetime.

And if ever I needed confirmation that this woman is it for me, which I don’t, let the ache, the beat, the sound of my heart in this moment be the proof.

Her eyes glaze, and I frown, watching as she turns to pack up her things.

I stand transfixed, my head and heart in two different time zones.

Because why is she here?

I turn to look at Jenny.

“Mr Aldridge,” she says, looking between Lissie and me. “I can explain the mix-up. I’m sorry for my unprofessionalism. I know you’re extremely influential in the?—”

I hold my hand up, my frown only hardening.

My mind drifts back to what the guard had said. How my name was already logged forty minutes ago.

I look from Jenny to Lissie.