Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Phoenix winced. “For now, Little one. Not forever. Let’s see what happens in the next few days first, then we can reevaluate.”
Her shoulders slumped.
He felt bad for her. He knew she’d enjoyed playing in the lobby and out under the tree. Both had been experiences very different from what she was used to. Without the long, formal black dress, hot lights, and thousands of audience members, he suspected she’d been relaxed and actually had fun for the first time in a long time.
Phoenix vowed to himself to make sure she had more of that in her life as the conversations continued around the table. Wrapping his hand around her thigh, he made sure that she knew she was not alone as he listened to everyone’s report. He was confident his team would discover why Boyd Zhivers continued to target his Little girl.
Chapter Seventeen
Lyra woke up early the next morning to find Phoenix already up and sitting on the edge of the bed. “Hey, Crash, we need to call your accountant.”
She pushed to sitting, trying to get herself fully awake. She’d almost forgotten they needed to make that call now.
After a quick trip to the bathroom and several splashes of cold water on her face, she joined her Daddy on the couch.
After selecting a number in her registry, Lyra put it on speaker and signaled Phoenix to stay quiet.
The phone rang twice, and a woman answered. “Lyra? How’s Japan?”
“I didn’t go. Hey, I’ve parted ways with Boyd. Could you remove him from the payroll?” Lyra asked.
“It’s about time,” Tracy said dryly. “What made you come to your senses?”
“What?” Lyra asked.
“He’s been a weight around your neck for a long time. I haven’t said anything because it’s your life, but I’m glad you put a stop to his freeloading,” Tracy said.
“I’m going to take some time off here in New Zealand, and then I hope I can find a new manager,” Lyra said, revealing her uneasiness with being on her own. She looked up at Phoenix and was struck by his worried expression. Lyra smiled at him to reassure him as Tracy answered.
“As soon as it becomes public that you’ve parted ways with Boyd, there will be an avalanche of people contacting you. This was a good move, Lyra,” Tracy assured her.
“Any other thoughts you have that you haven’t shared?” Lyra asked.
“Not now. Want me to tell you when something sets off my radar like Boyd did?” Tracy asked, understanding what Lyra was thinking.
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll do it. In exchange, when you can tell me what’s really going on, I’d appreciate it,” Tracy said.
Lyra looked at Phoenix, and he nodded. “As soon as I can.”
“And you’ll introduce me to the man you’re with now?”
Lyra couldn’t prevent a laugh from escaping her mouth. “You are too smart. I will, Tracy.”
“Good. I’ll look forward to it. Take care, Lyra. Let me know when you’re back in the States.”
After disconnecting the phone, Lyra shook her head as she considered how insightful her accountant and friend was.
“I like her. I’ll look forward to meeting Tracy,” Phoenix shared.
“I like her, too. She’s blunt but so good at her job.” Lyra looked back at the blank screen before adding, “And too perceptive.”
After opening her cello case an hour later, Lyra pulled the instrument from the form-fitting lining that protected it as she traveled. She noticed a bit of dust on the wood and immediately opened a small section of the case that held extra strings and other supplies. Lyra grabbed the polishing cloth and carefully stroked it over her prized cello, returning it to the shiny surface she loved.
With all the fingerprints removed, she checked the end pin of the instrument and discovered the screw holding the spike in place had loosened over time. Rolling her eyes, Lyra wondered how many times she’d tightened that thing since she’d started playing the cello. A million?
A bit of velvet from the lining clung to the support. Lyra plucked it free and knew she’d need to check the case for wear. She placed the velvet on the edge of her music stand to help her remember. A small tear in the lining was nothing but a distraction. If it showed the case was deteriorating, then she had a bigger problem. Putting that on her to-do list for later, Lyra picked a difficult piece she was trying to master and began practicing.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Phoenix. Drink.
Rolling her eyes, Lyra picked up her glass and took a sip. To her surprise, she drained the liquid and wanted more. How did he know what she needed before she did? She stood to balance her cello on its side and headed for the kitchen to refill her glass. There, she found a granola bar with a sticky note. Eat me.
Lyra picked up the bar, and her stomach growled. Opening the package, she took a big bite. As she ate, Lyra refilled her glass with ice and water. She suspected the juice inside the fridge was meant for her, so she opened it and added a bit to give herself fruit-flavored water. After popping the last bite of the bar into her mouth, Lyra took advantage of the break to potty. With her hands washed, she grabbed her drink and headed back to her waiting cello.