Chapter 85: Grant Holloway Closed the Last File

Night deepened as Grant Holloway closed the last file. His phone screen lit up.

Mason Reed's voice came through the receiver. "Grant, wanna grab a drink?"

"Sure."

He stood to change clothes. Just as he reached the staircase, keys jingled at the front door.

Paige Lawson stood in the foyer clutching her backpack. Her gaze locked with his.

Both froze.

"What are you doing here?" Grant frowned.

"You're going out?" Paige tightened her grip on the backpack straps.

"Yeah."

She bit her lower lip. "Did I...interrupt something?"

The air turned heavy.

"Last period was gym class..." Her voice trailed off. "After last night...I have some inflammation. Didn't dare go to the school clinic..."

Grant's eyes dropped to her reddened knees.

"First aid kit's upstairs." He turned toward the steps.

Paige hurried after him. At the sight of the ointment instructions, her ears burned crimson. "This one...won't work..."

"Then the hospital." He grabbed his jacket.

"No need! Mason's waiting for you—"

"He can wait." The elevator dinged. "Doctor first."

Her eyes brightened. "Then...can I come with you after?"

"Whatever."

* * *

In the private hospital corridor, Paige buried her face in her scarf.

Grant accepted the medication bag. "Sorry about this."

"I like it." She suddenly looked up, eyes sparkling. "Anything involving you."

His Adam's apple bobbed.

That ridiculous case of mistaken identity had become a thorn in his heart.

"Get in." He opened the driver's side door.

"Huh?"

"Thought you wanted to see Mason?"

* * *

Hazy lights pulsed in the private room. Mason struck a pose before the mirror.

Julian Cross kicked his shin. "Stop assaulting my eyes."

"Philistine!" Mason swayed his hips. "This is Paris' hottest new dance move—"

"Where's Grant?" Julian cut in.

Mason checked his phone. "Said he's on the way."

"And Connor?"

"Surgery." Mason lowered his voice. "No way I'm inviting both at once—"

The door swung open.

Mason nearly dropped his glass. "Holy shit, why'd you bring—"

Paige peeked from behind Grant, waving sweetly.