Chapter 85

We are in a cab on the way to Lenox hill hospital in the upper east side, and Arrick is straining forward on his knees as he texts Jake. His rigid body and huge neon signals say he needs silence and space.

All he told me before whisking me in here is that his father collapsed and was rushed into hospital as a possible heart attack victim. Arrick is pale and quiet, meaning he’s reverted inside his head, and I have no idea how to react. My body is churning with worry over Giovanni and torn about how to be there for Arry.

It makes sense that he would tell his PA he was leaving his own do, and I feel guilty that I jumped to conclusions in the bar. We’re sitting apart, not touching, and I am getting the strong vibe he doesn’t want me to try.

He’s lost in his brain, thinking about his dad, and probably tearing himself apart because they have not talked since he resigned. I wish I had the words or the know-how to make this better for him, but the reality is I don’t. I don