“Good.” I took a sip of the tea Tabitha brought into my room before disappearing again. “She’s healing quickly.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I plan on visiting her at D’Lynsal when she’s released. I want to see her for myself. Oh, and I meant to tell you that your dog is doing wonderful. He hasn’t used the bathroom in my apartments once.” I had asked her to watch Xavier when it became apparent that I wasn’t going to be back soon. Mother situated her phone so that it was off to the side while she went through her files. “I wanted to chat with you about a few things before the others join us. I hear you did an outstanding job at the artisans’ guild.”
And we were off to business in no time. When the prime minister joined us to talk about my program, I had to force myself to pay attention. I kept glancing at my phone, wondering why David was ignoring me.
“Catherine, have you decided on a name for the program?” Mother’s voice cut into my thoughts.
“I—I—not yet. I’ll narrow it down soon.” My attention snapped back to the computer and I frowned.
“Excellent. Let us know once you do and we will meet again.” Mother closed her folder all business. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Prime Minister.”
“Never a problem, Your Majesty. I’m very interested in this program.” He smiled. “Please send my regards to Selene.”
“I will.” I nodded my head. “Good luck today in parliament.”
“Thank you.” They both laughed. They were not in agreement about the newest bill, so it would be interesting to see how it worked out today. However, they had known each other for so long it was easy for them to separate state affairs from each other.
When I closed the computer I threw myself on my bed and buried my face in a pillow. My phone beeped and I practically flew across the room to pick it up.
There was a text message.
But it wasn’t from David. Instead it was Chadwick.
Turn on the news.
Grabbing the remote I pointed it at the television and held my breath. I flipped to a news station quickly and cussed loudly. The reporter was talking about David’s family and showing images of his youngest sister and mother being hounded in a parking lot.
Liberty Anne was crying and shaking her hands at her sides. It was obvious that the attention was upsetting her a great deal and yet the cameras persisted.
“She’s a child, you ass**les!” I screamed at the TV in fury.
“Whoa! What’s wrong?” Max burst into my room. “Who is that?”
“That’s David’s youngest sister. She’s autistic and they won’t leave her alone.”
Tears formed in my eyes as I watched the little girl start hollering and swinging her hands at the reporters. His mother dropped her bags and wrestled with her to get her away from the people.
“This is my fault.” I covered my mouth. “Oh God. He must hate me.”
“This is the reporters’ fault.” Max wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
“I should have insisted that we sneak out. The fallout wouldn’t have been so crazy. It was so reckless to just walk out with him.” I closed my eyes. “No wonder he isn’t answering my texts.”
“You do not control the media.” Max looked down at me. “And if he’s not answering your text messages it could be because he’s trying to handle this. Or he’s an ass**le and I’ll beat the shit out of him.”
I shoved his chest. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Do you like him?” Max looked at me with serious eyes.
“I really do.” I really, really liked David.
“Then go find him.” He shrugged. “If you don’t try, you won’t know.”
I thought about it for a minute. Did I want to put myself out there that far? It would be a long, painful fall if he turned away from me. Then again, if I didn’t try, I’d go crazy just thinking about it.
“Okay.” I took a deep breath and picked up my phone.
Where is he?
I waited for Chadwick’s response.
Chadwick: Fishing.
Me: Fishing? Where?
Chadwick: Rousseau. He said he needed to think.
I looked at Max. “Get out. I need to shower.”
“Okay.” He walked to the door. “Remember, I’ll beat the shit out of him if you want.”
“Gee, thanks.” I rolled my eyes. “I’ve always wanted to meet a nice guy and then have my brother try to kill him.”
“The offer stands.” He closed the door behind him with a wink.
I was ready in record time, throwing on jeans, boots, and a shirt. I braided my wet hair and had Jameson bring the car around. The ride to Rousseau was a long one and I spent it going over in my head what I would say.
What would I say?
Everything I came up with sounded so corny—so pointless. Really, if he was smart he would run from me, and fast. God, I hoped he wasn’t smart.
When Rousseau came into view I bit my lip and took a deep breath. I’d just wait and see how he felt. Maybe I’d be strong enough to let him go without crying. Or at least not crying in front of him.
He was sitting on the front steps when we pulled up. I didn’t know how long he had been sitting there, but when he looked up at the car my heart jerked. His dark eyes were partially obscured by his hair, but I could see the worry that worked through them. He pushed off the stairs and opened the car door for me. We stood there looking at each other without saying anything.