Page 37 (1/2)

He set the water tumbler on the bar and reached for the decanter of scotch “Don’t even co e He knew she wouldn’t defy hiulp, then he said, “We were all together for a year Lex and I were in love with Katarina Make no h that we’re here now putting together a CD in her honor”

Lily gave a slight nod to indicate she’d deduced as much

Jax said, “She died, Lily Suddenly Ripped right from our hands One day she was alive and in our arht she was lifeless in a hospital bed in Austria Car accident She’d been out with a friend, who lost control of the vehicle on a patch of ice The friend died instantly Katarina about five hours later”

“Oh,” Lily said on a long breath “Jax” Tears sprang to her eyes “I’m so sorry”

“Thank you I’m sorry for your loss as well Deeply sorry” He refreshed his drink and started to walk away again

“Jax” There was undeniable agony in her voice It nearly shredded him

Turning back to her once more, he asked, “Yes?”

But she clearly didn’t knohat else to say to hi eyes, though

So Jax said, “Don’t think of her, Lily”

“How can I not? When you and Lex are playing music inspired by her?”

This made his brow furrow There was a little spark at the back of his brain, but he wasn’t willing to acknowledge it So he repeated, “Don’t think of her, Lily She’s not here You’re here”

She opened her mouth to speak No words came out

But he could easily guess the one she was holding back

Temporarily

One h he was a