“It’s been a long week, but Justin and I are taking Shadow and Sampson on a long walk on the beach tonight, and we all need it.” Shadow and Sampson were the dogs they’d adopted from Gunner and Sid’s rescue. “Are you sure you’re okay? We saw Blaine last night, and it sounded like you two aren’t making any headway.”

Madigan had thought he might reach out to her after rudely leaving the table last week at the Salty Hog when she and Tobias had arrived. But he hadn’t, and it was breaking her heart. “No, but I’m playing at the Hog tomorrow, and I’ll talk to him then.”

“He won’t be there. He and Justin are meeting with a new big-wig client on Martha’s Vineyard, and the only time the guy could meet was tomorrow evening.”

Madigan sighed. “Sunday he’ll be riding with the guys, and then I’ll be at Leah’s baby shower. I guess I’ll try to talk to him after that if the shower ends early enough. You know how it is when we all get together.”

“If it gets too late, maybe you can catch up with him early next week. I’ve just never seen him like this. He’s always given you a hard time about wearing skimpy clothes or trying to meet guys, but this is a little weird, isn’t it? It’s going on so long. Justin said I shouldn’t worry, that this is how Blaine deals with things. But I’m worried for both of you.”

“We’ll be fine.” Although Chloe was right. It had gone on for so long, she wasn’t so sure they would be fine. “Marly thinks he’s acting this way because he’s never had to deal with me getting serious with a guy.”

“It’s times like these I’m glad I don’t have brothers.”

“Oh, but Mrs. Wicked, now you have many.”

“I know, right?” Chloe said. “I love them all, even though Blaine’s being a butthead. Anyway, have you given any thought to working more hours? I know you’ve got a lot on your plate with your Mad Truth expansion, and I’ll totally understand if it’s too much. I’m not trying to pressure you.”

“I really want to do it, but I’m still trying to figure out how I can fit everything in. Can I give you an answer sometime next week?”

“Of course. Did you see the announcement about the next book club meeting on the forums? We just posted it last night.”

Shoot. She hadn’t made it past chapter four. “No, but I’ll look tonight.” Another call buzzed through, and she glanced at the screen. “Chloe, Marly’s calling, and I know she has another date with Dante in about an hour. Can I call you right back?”