False God by C.W. Farnsworth

Author:C.W. Farnsworth [Farnsworth, C.W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.W. Farnsworth LLC
Published: 2024-10-10T00:00:00+00:00

21

Cheerful chatter fills the lobby as I step out of the hotel’s dining area with a paper Costa cup in hand. The sunny noise does nothing to improve my sour mood.

Lili’s friends were waiting in here when we got back last night, including a worried-looking Theo and Chloe. They all thanked me for going with her—even Tripp—before escorting a yawning Lili upstairs. I’m positive at least one of them stayed with her all night.

There was absolutely no reason to think she wouldn’t be fine, but I spent most of the night staring at the plaster ceiling, concerned anyway.

Lack of sleep, paired with irritation about why I couldn’t sleep, has trimmed my temper down to a short fuse.

Theo is standing by the lifts, talking with a group of his family members. He grins and heads this way when he sees me.

“Good morning,” he tells me.

Unlike me, Theo appears well rested, which is a surprise. Last night was his wedding night.

“Morning,” I repeat, substantially less cheerful. “And congratulations.”

I didn’t have a chance to talk to him after the wedding or before leaving with Lili.

“Thanks. I’m really glad you could make it, Charles.” Theo’s smile dims a little. “Especially with Lili’s accident. Taking her to the hospital and everything. That meant a lot. To me and to Chloe.”

I shift uncomfortably. The praise is unwarranted. And unnecessary.

“Not a problem,” I tell him.

Theo nods, his smile back in full force. “We’re headed to Saint-Tropez later today. Chloe’s family has a place down there, where we’re spending the week. Jasper’s talking about a trip to Monaco while we’re in France. I know we sort of lost touch after university and after …” He clears his throat. “Would be nice to catch up, if you want to come along.”

He’s being generous. Fig basically foisted his friendship on me, and Theo would tag along occasionally. I’m not a friend he owes any obligation or outreach to.

“I appreciate the invitation,” I reply. “But I can’t.”

This weekend was an escape from everything, but I can’t keep running from my responsibilities. I have to make my next move with investors. Decide how much I’m going to share with Louis when he visits. Check in with Blythe.

And if I tell Theo I’ll be in Saint-Tropez in a few days, he’ll ask why, and I’ll have to lie or draw attention to the truth.

“I get it,” Theo says. “If you change your mind, it’s an open invitation.”

“Open invitation to what?”

I spin as soon as I hear her voice, ridiculously eager to see Lili.

Aside from the white bandage on her left hand, she looks like her usual self. By usual, I mean beautiful. Her silk blouse covers her shoulder, and her thick hair hides the lump on her head.

The rest of her friends are clustered by the reception desk, a huge pile of luggage beside them. They’re checking out. Heading to France.

“I was seeing if Charles wanted to join us in Saint-Tropez,” Theo answers. “Unfortunately, he can’t make it.”

Lili looks disappointed.

I hate that I notice.

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