Chapter Eleven

Logan

I spent the night outside of Phoebe's room, but she never came. How she managed to avoid me when we were in the same building I'll never know —unless she left.

I jump up and text Alex asking if the sisters are still here.

He answers that he is dealing with something and would try to get back to me soon, but that things had changed for today. The winery would still be paid, but the wedding was no longer being held here.

What the fuck.

I run to my office and call every contact number I have. Every one of them goes to voicemail and I'm about to start pulling my hair out when my office door opens and the twins walk in with an envelope.

"We were supposed to wait until noon to give you this, but we don't want to hold it anymore."

They've been crying.

"What's wrong? What's going on here?"

"Phoebe left. Everyone left. I think that letter explains it. We don't know what happened, but everyone was really mad. Phoebe promised that she wasn't mad at us or you, but that she had to go anyway," Ruby says.

"I asked when she would be back, but she didn't answer. I don't think she thought she would be coming back." Tears flow down June's face.

"It's going to be okay, girls. I'll figure it out. Let me read the letter and find out what happened," I say with all the confidence I can muster. "I'll come tell you if I figure out anything. I promise not to keep you in the dark."

They both nod and hold hands as they leave the room. I haven't seen them do that since they were little.

I sit and open the letter.

Logan,

I'm sorry for leaving this way. Things are always complicated and I know better than to expect them to be easy. Maggie went to find the photographer you hired and she was selling the story of Rosie's pregnancy announcement and the photos. When Alex went to find the documents she had signed, they were gone. We don't have a legal leg to stand on. It's not your fault at all. No one is upset with you. This woman is the problem and she will be dealt with in some way. Alex is having people look into her to see if there is something we can do, but the story is out there along with pictures. We did manage to get any photos with you and the twins removed. I didn't want you to be swept up in our mess. I'm so sorry for how this ended. Please don't come looking for me or try to contact me. It's better for all of us if we just pretend it didn't happen.

Forever grateful,

Phoebe

I slam the letter down on my desk. Don't come looking for her? Forever grateful? When I do find Phoebe I'm going to redden her ass for thinking that what is between us means so little.

First, I need to find out what exactly happened with Sherry. I feel sick that she sold out Rosie and Alex. It's a good thing that I always make an extra copy of all paperwork and put it in my safe until it's not a current job.

I call Alex first.

He answers with a sigh. "I can't tell you where she is."

"I know, I got the letter. The twins delivered it early. I'm so sorry this is all fucked up."

"It's not your fault."

"I hired the photographer and she's had a thing for me. She might have done this to get back at me for picking Phoebe instead of her."

"Fuck. It's still not your fault."

"I do have a solution. Phoebe said that all of the signed paperwork was gone. I have no idea how Sherry could have done that, but I have a copy in my safe. I always make an extra and keep it. No one knows I do it."

"Are you serious? That's genius and just what I needed to hear. Can you send me a screenshot of it so I can get my lawyer on it? I also may be able to get some of the more reputable news outlets to take things down if they know they got it illegally. It won't put the cat back in the bag, but it might lessen the impact."

"Is Rosie okay?" I feel awful that what should be happy news was blasted this way.

"Yeah, she cried for about an hour and then started teasing me about keeping my mouth shut. I guess she's kind of right. I did scream it out to a room full of people."

"I never did get to congratulate either of you. I know we've only known each other for a little bit, but I'm happy for you both."

"You know I really would tell you where she was if I could. I don't know where she is. The sisters aren't telling me and she's not at home. I'm pissed off about it. How can I protect her if I don't know where she is?"

I start to worry about Phoebe even more. How could she not even tell Alex where she is? I know that they are close.

"I love her."

"I know. Those Stone sisters are impossible not to fall for," Alex laughs. "If I hear anything I'll pass it along."

"Thanks, Alex."

I promise to send him the signed forms and we hang up. I sit back in my chair and close my eyes. How am I supposed to get through the day not knowing where she is or if she's safe?