Chapter 12
Kylie dropped a deposit on a sweet ride and planned to cruise out tomorrow.
But as she hit the pavement, her phone buzzed with a call from Jasmine Fraley, Craig’s mother.
“Kylie, hon, how’s it hanging? You’ve been MIA at the hospital. Jasmine’s voice was all smiles, but Kylie wasn’t buying the act.
Kylie’s heart sank. She remembered how she’d once been a regular in Jasmine’s hospital room in her last life, offering comfort like a loving daughter. The other patients had no idea they weren’t related.
But that was all a facade. Jasmine had known about Craig and Melanie’s secret affair the whole time.
After Kylie’s amputation, Jasmine had made it clear over the phone that Kylie was never good enough for her son, and now, with her disability, she was even less so.
The call had been brutal, a stark contrast to the sweet Jasmine.
It had cut deep, leaving Kylie in tears. But now she was done being hurt.
“Jazz, let’s cut the chase. Craig and 1 are over. Don’t hit the up again.” Kylie’s words were blunt, and she ended the call before Jasmine could even stutter.
Jasmine was left there, phone in hand, like a deer in headlights. ‘Kylie, who used to be all about my Craig, has just iced me out? What gives?
Scratching her head, Jasmine fired off a voice message to Craig. “Hey. I just got ghosted by Kylie. She says it’s done between you two. What’s the 411?”
Craig was at a restaurant, fork halfway to his mouth with Melanie, when his phone lit up with Jasmine’s message.
His stomach dropped. Kylie, who was always about chasing his shadow, had just thrown in the towel. What had flipped her
switch:
Trevor was taking in the night view from the Opulence Hotel’s top–floor suite when a knock on the door broke the silence.
Zach barged in, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and fear. “Mr. Walters, you gotta hear this. Ms. Thompson was dead on about that pearl pendant–it’s stolen property!”
He’d done some snooping, and the truth was more chilling than fiction.
The pendant’s previous owner had been taken out by some heavy–duty poison. It was a dark chapter that the pendant had been through, changing its color to an eerie black and purple before it was cleaned up to its current, vibrant pearl.
Zach’s voice was shaky, and he rubbed his arms as if to ward off a chill. “This thing’s got bad juju, man. It’s been a total
buzzkill.”
Trevor exhaled a cloud of smoke, his gaze steady. “If she says to return it, that’s what we’ll do.
“Already taken care of, Zach said, a hint of relief in his voice. I sent it back, no questions asked. This pendant’s not worth the hassle it brings.”
Kylie raced up the driveway of the Walters residence in her new electric car, her pulse racing.
She’d
gotten a
distress call from Noreen, who wasn’t feeling well at all.
As soon as Kylie arrived, she tossed her keys to Grant, the butler, and hurried into the house..
Inside, she found Trevor, looking sharp in a white shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs. He glanced over when she came in, his look a lot cooler than his usual warmth for his grandmother.
Kylie paused, noticing the frown lines on Trevor’s forehead. She suddenly remembered she was still in her workout clothes.
Chapter 12
from her last–minute dash out of Liam’s shop, her white tee now decorated with unflattering splotches.
She took a quick inventory of her appearance before looking back up. “How’s Noreen?”
Trevor’s voice was clipped. “She’s upstairs resting.”
Kylie didn’t have time to thaw his frosty demeanor. With a nod to Trevor, she took the stairs two at a time, her heart heavy with worry for Noreen.
But Trevor flagged her down. “Well, Ms. Thompson,” he said, all serious. “We gotta chat about something before you go see Grandma.”
She pivoted, an eyebrow arched in curiosity. “Lay it on me, then.”
“Grandma’s not doing so hot, and she wants us to crash here for a few days, he dropped the news, his face etched with sincerity.
Kylie bobbed her head, cool as a cucumber. “No sweat, I’m cool with that.”
But Trevor dropped a bombshell. “She’s asking us to share a room.
Kylie’s jaw almost hit the floor. “I–I’ll talk to her,” she stammered, her eyes as wide as saucers.
“Let’s just do it. The doctors say her emotions can’t take too many ups and downs, so we need to keep up appearances for her,” Trevor said, like he was reading from a script. “But I promise it’s all an act, no feelings involved.”
And with that, he was up the stairs, leaving Kylie to chew on his words.
She stood there for a beat, and then let out a small laugh. This was all a game, and as long as it scored points with Noreen, she was in.
Trevor’s little disclaimer about their non–existent love was probably his way of making sure they both stayed in the friendzone. But he didn’t need to fret about her getting all heart–eyed. She was on the same wavelength. It was all just part of the gig.
Kylie bounded up the stairs, spotting Noreen looking a tad fragile on the bed. “Hey, Noreen, she greeted with a gentle smile.
Noreen, hearing the sweet tone, waved Trevor away like he was a bothersome fly. “Kylie, get over here, sugar.”
Trevor, feeling as useful as a screen door on a submarine, tried to keep his cool
“How you doing, Noreen? Anything else that’s bothering you?” Kylie inquired, her voice as soothing as a lullaby.
Noreen gave a slight shake of her head, her voice barely a whisper. I’m hanging in there; just a bit wiped out. Seeing you two makes my day a lot brighter
“Is your head acting up? I could give you a massage. Back in the day. Felicia used to love it when I massaged her head. Let me go wash up real quick,” Kylie added, slipping out of the room to finally clean her hands.
Trevor’s brow lifted, his disbelief as plain as day. Kylie was trying a bit too hard, and he was on to her game.
As soon as Kylie left, Noreen turned to Trevor, a sly smile playing on her lips. This one’s a keeper… Don’t mess this up. I got
this.
Kylie returned soon and Noreen faked a snooze. “I’m feeling a bit sleepy. Kylie, dear, Trevor’s been having these headaches. Why don’t you give him a massage?”
Kylie froze, not expecting that curveball. Trevor was just as surprised by his grandmother’s sudden suggestion.
“Grant, take notes. Kylie’s got magic hands. Once you’ve learned her moves, you can be my personal masseur,” Noreen said, playfully drawing Grant into the mix.
