She caught Owen during the next break and filled him in. She’deither arrive in Knoxville Sunday night, or she’d be getting up before the sunMonday to make the drive. She’d have to find some time tonight for a lengthierconversation with Casey to fill her in on next week.
The rest of her day dragged on, and by the time she got back toher hotel room, she collapsed on the bed, wishing she didn’t have to dress togo out again. At least she only had to go as far as the hotel bar, but she’dstill have to shower and change clothes. She could cancel, Marti wouldunderstand. They had no obligation to each other. But she wouldn’t. Drinks withMarti would almost certainly lead to sex, and Jacqueline needed the stressrelief.
She rolled over and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. Shecould delay getting up just a bit longer. She scrolled to Casey’s contact andconnected the call.
“How’s Dad?” she asked when Casey answered.
“He’s good. We had dinner together, and then he fell asleep inhis chair. Are you on the road?”
“Um—no. Listen, I know I said I’d be home tonight, but could youcheck on him for one more night? My meetings ran late, and I’m too exhausted tothink about driving home tonight. I’ll be there early tomorrow, so—”
“Sure. It’s no problem.” Casey’s quick acceptance made her feel alittle guilty.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want to put this on you, but—”
“I’m here, Jacq. Don’t worry.”
Jacqueline sighed. The soft way Casey’s voice caressed thenickname made her chest ache. “There’s more. Man, this sucks. You’ve been sogreat, I hate to keep imposing.”
“Just ask.”
“We’ve had a complaint I have to deal with personally. I have togo to Knoxville next week.”
“When?”
“Monday. I don’t know how long I’ll be. It depends on howinvolved this thing is.”
“Jacq—”
“I know.” She cringed, then put on a pleading tone Casey hadnever been able to say no to. “Please, Casey. I’ll owe you, big.”
“Yeah, I’ll work it out.”
Jacqueline sighed, suddenly wishing Casey had offered someresistance, if only to make her feel less like a manipulative shit.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“You sighed.”
“Yeah. I did. Um—” She shook her head and cleared her throat.“Everything’s good. I’m just tired. Thanks again. I’ll talk to you later.”
She lay there for a minute longer, debating whether to take timebefore she got in the shower to send an email to the legal department informingthem of the impending investigation. She glanced at the clock on the bedsidetable, then rolled off the bed and headed for the bathroom. She’d send thatemail later. She needed every extra minute for a nice, hot shower.
*
Casey stood in her bedroom, still looking at the screen of herphone. Something about her whole conversation with Jacqueline had felt off.She’d sensed that Jacqueline was being deceptive but couldn’t discern whatabout. She’d seemed nervous about telling her she’d be out of town next week aswell. No, she’d sounded strange before that—when she’d said she wouldn’t makeit home tonight. But why would she lie? Casey hadn’t given her a hard timeabout adjusting her schedule thus far.
Changing her plans for next week might take some work, but it wasactually quite doable. She’d be shooting a wedding this weekend, so she’dblocked out the first part of next week to work in her studio, editing andputting together the final package for that couple.
She walked into the living room, still flipping through thecalendar app on her phone.
“That was Jacqueline.” Nina scooted forward on the couch as shespoke.
“Yes. She won’t be home until tomorrow. I’m going to walk overand check on Teddy once more before bed. Do you want to go?”
Nina stood. “I think I’ll head home.”
“I won’t be gone long.” Casey caught her around the waist andpulled her close, but Nina didn’t return the embrace. “Stay.” She brushed herlips along Nina’s jaw in the way Nina found hard to resist. “When I return, I’mall yours.”
Nina sighed and stepped away, letting Casey’s arms drop away fromher. “I have to work early tomorrow. I’ll call you.”
“Hey—”
“Walk me as far as my car.” Nina picked up her purse and headedfor the door.
Casey grabbed her keys and cell phone and followed. Nina tendedto shut down when she was upset, leaving Casey no choice but to wait until shewas ready to talk. At the car, Casey gave her the expected kiss, holding heruntil Nina pulled away.
*
Jacqueline slid onto a stool at the bar next to Marti. Shesignaled the bartender and ordered a drink, probably her only one of the night,and another for Marti.
“Hi, there.” Marti leaned close and slipped her hand ontoJacqueline’s thigh.
“Buy you a drink?” Jacqueline discreetly kissed her cheek, justin front of her ear.
“I think you just did.” Marti straightened but left her handwhere it was. “How’s your dad?”
“Can we talk about anything else?” She didn’t want to discuss herconcerns about her father’s well-being with Marti. She hadn’t come here todelve that far beneath the surface. She hadn’t lied to Casey so she could havea therapy session with Marti; she needed sex. She covered Marti’s hand andsqueezed, seeking the familiar thrill of her touch. “What’s new in the world ofaviation?”
“Well, I don’t want to ruin your next trip for you, but we’re nolonger giving out peanuts on flights.”
“What? The honey-roasted peanuts are the only reason I fly.”Jacqueline smiled. When the bartender set their drinks in front of them,Jacqueline handed over cash, declining his offer to open a tab.
“We’re not staying long enough.” Marti winked at him and his faceflushed. He nodded and turned away with a goofy grin.
“You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Marti laughed. “He should thank me. He’ll be thinking about ustogether for the rest of the night.” She angled closer and pulled Jacqueline’searlobe between her teeth, then whispered, “Especially when he sees us leavetogether.”
Jacqueline downed the rest of her drink and set the glass back onthe bar.
