Adam’s head drooped. “I really wanted to hang out tonight, but I’m so exhausted. I think I might take a shower and go to bed.”
I sat up. “Are you hungry at all?” The terrible day Adam had was wearing him down physically and mentally, and all I could do was sit and watch.
He rubbed his calloused thumb down my jaw and winked. “Nah. I’m good. Thanks though.” He gave me a sad smile. “Sorry I didn’t bring better news.”
“The storm is certainly not your fault,” I challenged.
“True.” He nodded. “Thanks again for watching Danny today. It was great to help without worrying.” He groaned as he placed his palms on his knees and stood, and I stood beside him.
He seemed as if he might collapse.
“It’s terrible, but I just can’t see any options.” He rubbed his palm down his face and shook his head. “Unless someone randomly inherits millions and fast…we’re out of luck.” He sighed and chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Too bad we aren’t in one of those Hallmark movies, eh?” He winked at me and held his arms open for a hug.
I stepped into his embrace numbly.
My mouth dropped open.
Wait.
“Is it okay if I take you home in the morning?” Adam asked.
“Of course.” I heard him, but my mind was far away.
“Do you need anything?” He asked.
I looked over to the couch and the pillow and blanket that were there from the night before. “Nope, I’m good, thanks.”
“Good night, Faith.” He kissed the top of my head softly. “Hopefully, we will get more answers tomorrow and fewer rumors.”
“Good night, Adam,” I whispered, my mind already racing.
He walked down the hallway to his room slowly as he put a hand on the back of his neck.
No one in this town could save the school—no one but maybe me.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
ADAM
Iwoke up feeling every bit of my age and then some. I guess nothing prepares the body for five hours of shoveling intensely heavy snow. I sat up and pressed my hand over my shoulder, stretching it. Then I yawned and stood stiffly as I made my way to my bedroom door in basketball shorts and no shirt.
I could hear voices farther inside the house. And from the smell of it, maybe breakfast.
“Can I flip it now?” Danny asked.
“Let’s wait until the bubbles pop,” Faith added.
I smiled as I thought about how different our life had been in the few months since Faith. I forced my body to walk down the hall and decided I would sneak into the bathroom and brush my teeth.
Looking in the mirror, my hair was as messed up as my muscles. I put water on my hands and did my best to smooth down the unruly mess. The cup that held toothbrushes on the counter now held three, and I smiled at what the future could bring. Faith asked if I had an extra toothbrush yesterday. I quickly brushed my teeth and then I splashed water on my face. I wipedthe water off on a nearby towel and headed toward the galley kitchen.
“Do you think you can flip this one by yourself?” Faith asked.
“Sure can. Guess that means I’m a chef,” Danny answered.
Her soft laugh filled my heart. “You sure are.” I leaned against the wall unnoticed and watched the scene play out before me as Danny slid his spatula under the pancake and dramatically slammed it over. Faith flinched. “Easy there, Champ.”
She used my nickname for him. Any lasting barrier around my heart melted.
