The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 90

She turned and hurried off to the restroom.

Lance picked up on her weird mood, but the phone kept ringing. He let her go and answered. “Yeah?”

“Lance, it’s me,” a little voice said on the other end.

It was Jasper. Instantly, Lance's tone softened. “Jasper! Hey, what’s going on?”

“Will you come play with me, Lance? Mommy isn't home, and I'm bored,” Jasper replied.

Lance’s brows pulled together. “Where’s your mom?”

“I don’t know,” Jasper mumbled. “Can we go to the amusement park?”

“I’ll call your mom,” Lance replied, but as soon as he said it, he realized this was Felice’s phone number.

So Felice handed Jasper her phone and took off? After the mess at the bar last time, he couldn’t believe she had the nerve to do that again. Annoyance flickered across his eyes, but his voice stayed gentle. “Hang tight, Jasper. I’ll be there really soon.”

“Okay! I’ll wait for you, Lance.”

Jasper sounded thrilled before hanging up.

Lance stood up to find Nathalie—he wanted her to come too.

“Lance.”

Maggie stood up as well, glancing over at him nervous and unsure.

He looked at her. “Yeah?”

She took a breath and said, “Can you maybe explain my job a little? I don’t want to mess anything up tomorrow and waste everyone’s time.”

“I’ll give you a number. Contact this person. He’ll walk you through everything,” Lance replied, his tone flat.

He reached for a napkin, got a pen from a waiter, scribbled down a phone number, and slid it over to her, then walked away without another word.

“You’re such a jerk!”

Nathalie snatched up her purse, ready to hit him, but he caught it easily and just held it in his hand.

Then he took her by the hand and headed for the exit.

Maggie was still waiting. She caught a glimpse of them leaving the coffee shop like that, her face suddenly falling. She hurried over. “Nathalie, I thought we were going shopping?”

Lance answered for her. “My wife and I have something to take care of. You guys can hang out another time.”

“I want to go shopping,” Nathalie insisted, a little desperate, honestly grateful that Maggie was there for backup.

Lance looked at her, his whole vibe turning cold again. That uncomfortable tension hung thick between them.

“Why are you suddenly so upset? Jasper is just a kid. You’re his aunt. What’s so wrong with spending time with him?” His voice was low, calm, but there was no mistaking his frustration.