Chapter 315

Lindey said softly, "Hayden's so lucky to marry you."

I gave a small smile, feeling no need to respond. Wasn't I lucky, too? After Jace's betrayal, Hayden had been a hero, rescuing me from the mess.

"How long are you two going to be gone?" Lindey asked.

I shrugged, keeping my answer vague. "No clue."

Lindey groaned. "Rea, when you get back, can we hang out? I'm losing it over here."

I considered the Jace drama and how Lindey had stepped up, essentially replacing Tanya for me. "Yeah, sure. I'll drop by and see you and Matthew when I'm back."

She gave a relieved hum. "Be careful, okay? New places and all that."

"I will," I promised, then added, "And, Lindey? Don't stay mad."

Another long sigh. "I'll try."

After we hung up, I breathed deeply. Talking to Lindey and Matthew lately felt draining. I put away my phone, glancing at Hayden and Yuna. Whatever they were discussing, Yuna was grinning and tugging at his sleeve like a child.

Not wanting to interrupt, I retrieved my phone, opening my messaging app to send a quick message to Lena. That's when I saw Tanya's unread texts:

[Keira, do you know where Jace is?] [Keira, I can’t reach Jace. Has something happened? Please help.] [Keira, I’m freaking out.]

Great. Jace hadn't told her about his trip. So typical. Not my problem, though. I closed the chat and snapped a cute picture of the scenery to send to Lena instead.

Still no reply from her. I quickly typed: [I’m here to pick up Yuna.]

Lena hadn't replied yet, so I left another message: Come pick up Yuna.

Before I could send it, Tanya's voice call came through. A call? Seriously? Was she that desperate for a reply?

I smirked at the irony. Did she think Jace had run off with me? Amused, I answered, my tone dry, "Hello."

"Keira, I'm sorry for calling so late," Tanya began, all polite and sweet.

I wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. "What do you want?"

"Did you see my texts?"

"Yeah, I saw them."

Awkward silence followed. She probably understood why I hadn't responded. After a moment, she asked, "Do you know where Jace is?"

"Nope. And just so we're clear—he's not with me." Might as well shut down whatever strange theory she had.

Tanya quickly backpedaled. "No, no, you've got it all wrong! I wasn't thinking that. I'm just… worried about him."

I raised an eyebrow, though she couldn't see it. "Worried about what?"

Was she scared Jace might leave her?

"I'm scared something's happened to him." Her voice cracked, sounding sad and pathetic. "Do you know what he did before he left?"

How would I know?

"He made sure everything was set for me and the baby," Tanya continued, her voice shaky. "It felt like… like he was making arrangements for the end."