“Great,” I reply. A beeping indicates another call, so I pull my phone away from my ear to see my mom calling. “I have to go. I have someone trying to call me.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, hon, how are you doing?”
“Good.” I cringe at my lie, but Mom doesn’t need to worry about me. “How’s your trip going?”
“We’re home. Hawaii was breathtaking. We loved it so much I think we’ll book to go back.”
I smile at her enthusiasm. My dad retired two years ago, so my parents have been traveling, making the most of their free time. “Where are you planning to go next?”
“We’re staying home for a couple of months.”
“Oh, okay.”
I have an idea why, but I don’t want to talk about it.
She sighs heavily. “I’m holding a vigil for Misty to remind the public about her disappearance, and I’d like for you to be there.”
I cough, then gasp for air. I clear my throat because it feels like I’m choking.
“Are you all right?” Mom asks, concerned.
I pat my chest. “I don’t know what to say, Mom,” I answer honestly. “Misty’s anniversary is painful enough, don’t you think?” Tears begin to fall.
“Why am I the only one who sees the benefit in this? I’m hurting too, but what if Misty’s picture and a reminder of the reward sparks someone’s memory?”
“Who else doesn’t agree?” I ask curiously.
“Everyone. You know what your father is like. He doesn’t like to talk about it. Audrey mentioned that Kane wasn’t happy about it. The only person who thought it was a good idea was Iris.”
I pause, waiting for Knox’s name to be mentioned, but she doesn’t say it. I consider whether I should ask her. He was in the military for years, then moved back to our hometown. Now he’s in a motorcycle club. He and Mom cross paths occasionally.
I bite my lip but give in. The urge to find out more about him is too tempting. “Have you spoken to Knox?”
“No, not yet. You should give him or Kane a call. Every time I bump into them, they ask me about you.”
My heart races at the thought of communicating with Knox. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Kane, maybe... but there’s too much uncertainty with Knox. I couldn’t bear to hear he’s moved on with someone else.
Mom sighs again. “Please tell me you’re coming. Iris is excited to see you.”
My chest lightens at the thought of seeing Iris. I miss her. Just another person on the list of people who broke my heart when they left. “When did you see Iris?”
“I didn’t. I called her.”
“Where are you holding the vigil?” I ask in a tight voice.
“I’ve spoken to Audrey and Alec about having it at the amusement park.”
I suck in a sharp breath. She spoke to Knox’s mom and his cousin. I gather she needed their approval to have it at their family’s amusement park. The thought of going back there makes my soul crumble and bleed in pain.
“It’s on Misty’s anniversary date, the—”
I cut her off. “Yes, I’m well aware of the date.” I don’t mean to sound rude, but that day I could never forget. It’s burned inside my brain. “I’m not sure if work will allow me to take it off.”
Guilt strikes me first, then shame. We are always busy, but my boss would allow it. We have people who volunteer, and Mae can take on some of my responsibilities.
