“This is it,” I announce as Ethan kills the engine.I can see Jake pulling in behind us, with Dad in the passenger seat.
“Wait here,” I tell my mother.“Let me go in first and make sure everything’s okay.”
Mom unbuckles her seatbelt.“Don't be ridiculous.I'm coming with you.”
Natalie looks at Ethan.“Maybe we should stay behind.I don’t think Eve will like us all coming in together.And you’re her boss as well.She won’t appreciate it.”
Ethan doesn’t look pleased, but he glances at Sophie who’s curled up in the cupholder, sleeping, and nods.“You two go.Dad and Jake should also stay behind.”
Our father looks like he wants to argue, but he agrees.Jake, however, shakes his head.“I’m going.”
“Fine,” I concede, shooting Natalie a grateful look.“But let me at least go in first and explain the situation.”
Entering the building with the key Eve gave me, I head up the steps to her floor.Reaching her door, I take a deep breath, slide the key into the lock, and turn it.“Eve?”I call out as I push the door open.“Megan?”
The sound of the television reaches me first, followed by laughter—Megan’s laughter.The tight knot in my chest loosens slightly.
“Hello?”I call again, stepping into the foyer.I follow the sounds to the living room and stop dead in my tracks at the scene before me.Eve, Megan, and Iris are sprawled across Eve’s sofa, wine glasses in hand, surrounded by takeout containers, watching what appears to be some terrible action comedy.
“Eve?”I say, relief washing over me at seeing Megan safe and sound.
Eve turns, her eyes widening as she spots me.She quickly gets up.“Caleb?You sure took your time.”
“My phone was dead,” I explain, stepping further into the room.“I tried calling you both, but neither of you answered.”
Eve’s hand flies to her pocket.“Oh shit, my phone’s in the other room charging.Megan’s fine.”
“Caleb.”Megan gets up, and while she looks fine, I know my sister better than anyone and can see the strain in her eyes.I cross the room over to her and pull her into a hug.
“You okay?”
She nods wordlessly.
“You scared the shit out of us.”I release her and look her over to make sure she’s really unharmed.
“Megan?”Mom’s voice has my sister and Eve stiffening.
“Oh, yeah,” I trail off sheepishly.“Everyone tagged along.They all panicked when they heard what happened.”
“You brought your Mom?”Eve hisses, mortified, quickly running her hands over her clothes.I grab her hands, whispering, “You look gorgeous.Stop.”
“But—”
My mother walks in, and Megan rushes towards her.“Mom!”
Eve blinks, watching them embrace.“I swear she was fine.She didn’t even look scared despite everything.”
I squeeze her hand.“I’m sorry I didn’t answer your call.It won’t happen again.”
The regret in my voice makes her frown.“It’s fine, Caleb.I had the baseball bat.It came in handy.And if I thought we were in any real danger, I would have called the cops.We’re all fine.”
Jake steps into Eve's apartment, and Iris immediately straightens, her shoulders tensing.He scans the room quickly, his eyes first finding Megan standing in Mom’s arms.
“You okay, kiddo?”he asks, his voice gentler than I’ve ever heard it.
Megan nods.“I’m fine.Just a little drama with Tom and his psycho girlfriend.”
Jake’s jaw tightens before he turns to Eve and Iris.“Are you both alright?Neither of you got hurt?”
