Chapter :553

Along with Beck’s bouquet came a simple card and a small handmade flower from Shanice. That gift from Shanice had been sent through Beck. © In Celeste’s view, Beck sending flowers was nothing more than politeness. Even if it was just courtesy, since she had received the gift, it was only proper to thank him personally. 1 So, she called him. Beck had been expecting her call, and he’d been waiting for it for quite a while. So, the moment her number appeared, he answered immediately and spoke first, “Got the gift? Happy birthday.” 2 “Yes, I did.

Thank you for the flowers, and please also tell Shanice that I really liked her gift.” Beck chuckled softly. “I will. Shanice actually prepared and sent it out half a month ago. Knowing you liked it will make her really happy.” 3 Hearing that, Celeste’s heart warmed. “Please tell her that when she’s free to come back to Baumond, I’d like to take her out for a meal.” —- “Alright, I’ll tell her.” “Then I’ll leave you to it,” Celeste said. “And… Thank you again for the flowers.” Beck, of course, didn’t want the call to end so soon.

But- “You’re welcome.” After the call ended, Celeste paused for a moment, then dialed Caleb’s number. The call didn’t go through. She figured the flowers must’ve been arranged in advance, as he was probably still at the military base. So, she sent him a short message instead-a brief thank-you, along with a gentle but clear reminder of her boundaries. 4 Right after that, she sent a similar message to Kieran. Meanwhile, after hanging up, the smile on Beck’s face slowly faded. After a long pause, he picked up his phone again and called Miles. Miles was surprised to see his name pop up.

—- “Well, well,” he teased, “the busy man finally has time to call? Do you even remember how long it’s been since you last contacted me?” Ignoring the teasing, Beck asked, “What are you up to?” “What do you think? Bored as hell. Why? Something up?” Beck flicked his lighter absentmindedly. A moment later, he asked, “Is Trevor still… busy these past few days?” “Him? Don’t even mention it. He’s busier than you are. He flew out of town just yesterday afternoon.” 4 Beck’s gaze lowered. “Really? Did he say when he’d be back?” “No idea. He’s not sure himself.” Miles sighed.

“Honestly, I don’t get it. It’s the final period before the divorce. Why’d he have to get so busy now of all times? If he misses the deadline again, won’t the whole divorce just drag on even longer?” # He wasn’t implying that Trevor didn’t want the divorce. He was just genuinely frustrated on his friend’s behalf. Beck knew that there were always a few times each year when Trevor’s schedule became insane, making him almost unreachable. —- Even so, not having half an hour to spare was still a bit too much. He didn’t reply. Miles sighed again on the other end. “Forget it.

He’s probably more fed up with it than we are.” 3 “Mm.” “How about lunch later?” Miles suggested. “I’ll call Wynn too.” 3 At the mention of Wynn, Beck hesitated slightly. “Let’s wait till Trevor’s back before we do that.” © Without Trevor, a meal between the three of them just didn’t feel the same. 3 Miles laughed. “Alright then.”