The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(50)

“Do you have a lighthouse, Lucy?” he asks after a while.

“A lighthouse?” I frown, although I know exactly what he means. I just need a second to think about the question.

“An Elsie,” Ralph confirms.

I dip my head thinking about the support I have at home. “I wouldn’t call it a lighthouse. More like a village.”

“Ah, I see. And the young man sending you a million flowers? Elliot, isn’t it?”

“You don’t give up, do you? I’ll have you know I haven’t spoken to him since Tuesday. I have nothing more to report.”

“Two days?” He smiles as if it’s no time at all. It feels like a lifetime. “I have a soft spot for this Elliot boy. He checks in and makes sure you’re home safe. I like that.”

“He’s a good guy.” I nod. “Although, I think he’s ghosting me right now.”

“Ghosting?” he retorts. “If anyone should be ghosting, I’d like it to be my wife.”

I chuckle, and it warms me to the bones. “No, I mean he’s avoiding me,” I explain, still laughing.

“Right… right, okay. Why do you think this?”

“I normally would have heard from him by today, that’s all.” The fact it’s quarter past eleven at home, and he hasn’t sent so much as a text. Something feels off. I can sense it in my gut.

“No, I think you’re being a little dramatic. It’s been two days.”

“You’re supposed to be team me, Ralph!”

“Listen. Us men, we’re stupid. We need things spelt out to us—can’t tell our asses from our elbows, most of the time.” He elbows me in the side, and I grin back at him. “Elliot doesn’t know what’s going on. He’s a man. He’s probably working. Trust me, Elsie was always pulling my head out of the studio at crazy hours of the night.”

“He told me he would call me today. He almost always does, and I felt like maybe something shifted the last time we spoke.”

“Asses and elbows, Lucy.”

“You have an answer for everything, Ralph. It’s a talent.”

“Give the boy some time. He’ll call.”





15





Lucy





It’s Friday night, and I should be well on my way to the bar Maxwell told me to meet him at. Instead, I’m sitting in the hotel’s restaurant, sipping another cosmo while I try to work up the courage to go out.

I made it through my first week in New York, and I should be celebrating.

I pull up the girls’ group chat.

Luce: Girls, talk me off a ledge. I’m being a dick about going out tonight Megan: Don’t be a dick and get off the ledge Luce: Gee thanks mate

Megan: Who are you going out with?

Luce: His name’s Maxwell. He showed me around on my first day here Scar: I get the nerves Luce. Have you had a drink?

I snap a picture of my half-full glass, and a full one lined up waiting in the background.

Scar: Not working?

Luce: I’ve not let them touch the sides

Nina: I was wondering what the fuck you were up to for a minute Scar Luce: ??

Nina: We’re down at Rosestone. She was smiling at her phone being all goofy and happy They’re all together tonight?

Luce: Send Frey and Glen my love

Scar: I can’t text and be happy now?

Nina: Don’t be so dramatic. You know why I was asking…

Megan: OKAY! Spill it bitches and don’t leave out a juicy drop Scar: No

Nina: Scar’s had flowers delivered to work every day for the last week Nina: No name

Nina: We’ve been doing some creeping on socials and have narrowed it down to three possible suspects from the hospital Luce: WHO???

Scar: Ridiculous. This was supposed to be us helping Luce Luce: It’s working

Nina: Don’t lie to us. You not feeling it tonight?

Luce: Not really. I’m tired but full of energy. These cocktails are definitely giving me a buzz Megan: Why don’t you go out for an hour

Megan: You don’t have to stay late

Nina: What she said

Luce: Yeah. I plan to go. I’ll have this last cosmo and head to the bar Scar: Elliot wants to know how you’re getting there Scar: And said to share your location

Scar: And that ‘Maxwell doesn’t sound like the girls from work’

Nina: Double fuck

I roll my eyes and then drop them to my glass. I waited for his call yesterday, but it never came. Normally I’d call first, but I presumed he was busy. Or maybe he didn’t want to speak to me. After the way our twenty questions went the last time we spoke, I guess I expected him to call.

As confusing as it is, the fair thing to do would be to believe he’s been busy.

Luce: Yes, Sir.

I frown at the screen, waiting like a dog to a bone.

Scar: I’m serious, Lucy. Do it now. E x

Scar: How are you getting there?

Elliot.

I switch out of the app and share my location.

Luce: I’m getting a taxi. Location shared.

My phone alerts me of a message, and I click out of the group chat again to open it.

Elliot: I’ve not had anything. Share it again. Who is this Maxwell?