Page 75 of Empire of Ash

“I didn’t mean about Ella, Noel. I just mean in general.”

My brow furrows, jaw setting as I lean against the Range Rover.

“I’m busy.”

“You’re self-exiling,” he grunts. “As you have been, for the last seven damn years.”

I say nothing. The silence drags.

“Thanks for taking care of the Leo thing.”

He sighs. “As I said, any time.”

I frown. “Sorry, and how is Celeste?”

“She’s good, Noel. You know she’d love to see you sometime and catch up.”

I nod.

“And the twins?”

It took a couple of years of trying. But when Adrian and Celeste did finally get pregnant, it made up for the time and effort with a two-for-one surprise: Simone and Ronan, their twins.

“Growing,” he grunts. “And too goddamn quickly, at that. You know they’re starting at Oxford Hills Academy in the fall.”

“Christ,” I wince. “When did we get old?”

He chuckles, and we both go quiet.

“It’s good to talk like this, you know. We should do it more often.”

I nod.

“Speak to you soon, Adrian.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

I hang up. Then I get in the car, and I drive home. I shower and change into sweatpants and a t-shirt.

I slide into bed behind Ella, and I wrap my arms around her.

And then I sleep.

Soundly.