Page 98 of Payoff Pitch
Fallon reaches for Bailey and hugs her. She whispers something in her ear, but I can’t make out what it is.
Bailey simply nods when they break apart.
Later that afternoon, we land in Florida. Bailey sighs. “I didn’t think about a car, a hotel for you, or anything. I’m sorry. My brain has been in a fog since last night.”
“Don’t worry. I took care of everything. I wasn’t sure of the situation at your parents’ house. I booked big suites for both us and for Cheetah and Kamryn. I gave Cheetah all the info.”
“Oh. It’s probably best that we stay in a hotel. I guess I assumed Kam and I would stay with my dad, but she probably won’t want to sleep in that house.She swore she never would again. Thanks for doing that.”
“Of course. Why don’t we head to the hotel first? There should be clothes waiting for us. It’s a little hot down here for sweaters and jeans.”
As we’re driving to the hotel, I ask, “What did Fallon whisper to you before we left?”
She smiles. “How many hours have you been dying to ask me that?”
I chuckle. “Every minute since it happened. She was…a little worked up about us last night.”
“Yep. I realized she figured it out. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle her.”
“I get her concerns. She whispered that she’s thankful to me for loving Harper the way I do and she hopes no matter what happens with us, I’ll put Harper first.”
“I have no doubt that you will.”
“Always.”
We arrive at the hotel and change clothes. She suggests that she go to see her father alone. She takes the rental car keys and heads to his house.
A few hours later, well into the evening, she’s still gone and I’m busy working at my laptop when there’s a knock at the door. I open it to see Kamryn and Cheetah. Kamryn pushes her way in. “Where’s my sister?”
“Hello to you too, Kamryn. Nice to see you. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“I’m just glad the suffering is over.”
“Oh. Was she in pain? I didn’t realize that.”
Kamryn deadpans, “No. Not her suffering. Ours.” She scoffs. “It’s no loss. The world is a better place without that lowlife. Where’s my sister? She’s the only reason Cheetah talked me into coming to this charade. Our appearance will probably double the number of people who attend her funeral.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Why areyouhere?”
“Because she wasn’t sure you’d come, and I didn’t want her to have to do this alone.”
“Hmm. Do you care about all of your employees this much? If Shannon’s mother passed, would you accompany her to the funeral too? It’s quite an employee perk program you’re running.”
“If Shannon’s sister was crazy, yes I would go.”
Cheetah barks out a laugh. “He’s got you there.”
Bailey suddenly appears in the doorway. She wraps her arms around Kamryn from behind and sinks her nose into her back. “Thanks for coming.”
Kamryn turns around and hugs her back. “I’m here for you and Daddy, not her.”
Bailey nods. “I know. I’m still happy you’re here. I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” Kamryn pulls back. “How’s Daddy?”
Bailey twists her lips. “He’s surprisingly calm. He’s all business about it. It’s weird.”
Kamryn nods. “He’s probably relieved to be rid of the witch.”