118. Nate

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN

NATE

Cindy steps closer, intruding, even though she can clearly see I'm on the phone with someone. And the fact that I'm on a video call should tell her it's personal, which is even less of a reason to interrupt.

I keep the phone facing myself but lift my eyes to meet hers. "Oh, hey. I'll be just a minute."

It's vague and will probably annoy Rosie, making her wonder what I'll talk to Cindy about, but if she's annoyed, then maybe she won't be so sad. I'll take her irritation over her guilt.

"Of course." Cindy smiles. "Didn't mean to intrude. Just thought we could catch up."

I look back down at my phone and see the scowl on Rosie's face.

"I'll let you go," she says flatly.

Her words sting because I never want Rosie to let me go. But I know that's not what she means, so I wink at her.

"Don't forget your promises," I tell her.

Rosie continues to glare at me, and Charles turns away from the screen. "Have a nice catch-up."

She really is just as obsessed with me as I am with her.

And knowing that, I decide to distract her even more.

"Bye, Beautiful. Love you." Then I hang up.