The Loner by Diana Palmer

Author:Diana Palmer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises ULC
Published: 2023-02-13T21:24:18+00:00

* * *

Odalie was reluctant to leave the party. She and Tanner had a long conversation about his work and his regrets. She hadn’t seen him for such a long time, not since their mother’s birthday when she and John and Heather sneaked into Dallas to have lunch with him.

“I wish you could talk to Dad,” Odalie said sadly.

He grimaced. “Me, too, but that’s not realistic.” He shook his head. “God help me, he never lets go of a grudge.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, sprout. Me, too,” he said gently. He bent and kissed her cheek. Around them, the party was winding down and guests were leaving. He noted Stasia coming toward them.

“I think your companion is ready to leave,” he pointed out.

She glanced toward Stasia, who was motioning to her. Apparently, Odalie’s best friend wasn’t anxious to talk to her ex-husband again.

“I guess so,” Odalie said. She hugged her brother. “You take care of yourself, okay?”

He smiled. “I’ll do that. You do the same. When you get the job at the Met, I’ll come and watch you onstage.”

“That would be lovely. If I get it.”

“You will,” he replied gently. “You’ve worked very hard toward that goal. I’m proud of you,” he added.

“Thanks.”

“Stay out of trouble.”

She looked up at him with twinkling eyes. “You wish. You’re the one who needs that advice.”

He looked over her head. “Better go. Stasia’s getting antsy.” Stasia was motioning frantically now, and Tony was glaring at both of them.

Odalie laughed. “I guess so. Call me once in a while, will you? Just so I know you’re still alive,” she added, and with only pretended humor. She was really worried.

“I will. What’s your cell number?”

She gave him the new one. “I don’t have yours,” she said.

“I use burner phones,” he replied easily. “Throwaways. Untraceable.”

It brought home what sort of work he did, and the danger of it. “Can’t you find a job that won’t get you killed?” his sister asked worriedly.

“And what would be the fun of that?” he teased.

She glared at him.

He realized that she wasn’t kidding. He hugged her again. “Thanks for caring, sprout.”

“I always will. Take care of yourself as well.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“And text me once in a while,” she replied. “Please?”

“I will. I promise.”

“So long.”

“So long.”

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