Yeah . . . no. He would have sweet-talked her into sharing the bed, and then he’d have to look at her face in the morning, full of guilt and regret because she’d slept with someone else, even if they hadn’t done anything. He’d make sure she never looked at him that way. He’d seen a similar look too many times on Jack’s face when he’d look at Billie before his mom had had enough and left.

“I slept fine.” And he had. He’d slept like the dead until eight, when he ordered coffee from the restaurant and took his mug onto the patio.

Joy zipped her case. “Where are you playing today? I’d love to come watch.”

Hell to the no.

“I don’t want you to.”

Her head snapped back and Dylan wanted to punch himself for hurting her feelings. But he honestly couldn’t bear to have her watch him play today of all days.

“All right then,” she said slowly, looking around the room as if she didn’t know where to look or what to say.

Dylan glanced at his watch. “Go do your thing today. I’ll meet you at the car at two.” He took himself into the bathroom and slammed the door. He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to chill. “Fuck.” The bathroom smelled like Joy. Fresh, clean, and floral. He’d also left his clothes and toiletries in the room, and there was no way he was going to show his face again after he’d been such a dick to her.

Coward.

He stood in the bathroom glowering at his reflection until he heard Joy leave. He forced out a breath. Time to get this shit show of a day behind him.

Dylan quickly did his business, leaving time to make a few calls from the room. He checked in with Chase and confirmed their meetup plans. He called his mom, who taught artist management at Northwest University and still lived in the same house in Seattle even after she’d divorced Jack and he moved out. It was where Dylan had grown up, his home until he bought his own place in Santa Monica. Billie was worried about him. She was just as upset as Dylan about this trip but understood why he had to do it. Last, he called Jack’s attorney.

“I’m in Albuquerque,” he told Rick when the guy picked up the phone.

“You recall the spot we discussed?”

“I know the place, how long I have to play, and I won’t forget to check in when I’m done.”

Rick sighed. “This would be much easier if you gave yourself the chance to enjoy this, Dylan. Your dad had your best interests at heart.”

“If that were true, I wouldn’t be here.” He hung up.