I shouldn’t be surprised that Marcus began dealing drugs after we broke up, and I already knew he was one of the people who sold Benny drugs. But to also get him involved in selling makes me livid, no matter how much Marcus claims he tried to talk my brother out of it. Not that I would expect him to want to do right by me, but it would have been nice if he had a little bit of a conscience.
I sit back in my seat, clasping my hands between my legs. Thinking about Benny, I let out a slow breath. After I hung up with Marcus, I tried Benny one last time with no luck. I then called James, who agreed to look for him. By the time I got to the airport and boarded the plane, James still hadn’t found him.
The announcement that we’re making our final descentinto Nashville pulls me from my thoughts, and I roll out my neck as I sit up straighter.
My mind takes a different turn when Nate’s smiling face fills it. A deep sadness tightens my chest. When I wonder what he thinks of me, my stomach dips in disappointment. He probably hates me. I wish I had handled last night differently. I should have waited for him and explained that I couldn’t go to his room and that I had to deal with some family issues. And I don’t even have his number to apologize. I could ask Cade to pass along the message, but that seems like something you don’t say through someone else. Maybe when I get back, I’ll get the opportunity to talk to him.
If he’ll even hear me out.
I squeeze my eyes shut as the wheels bump along the runway.
I have the unfortunate feeling in my stomach that my worries over Nate will pale in comparison to what I’m about to walk into.
I collectmy luggage and step outside, the hot, sticky air surrounding me. Before getting a rideshare, I call Benny. Each ring frays my nerves a little more.
“Hi, this is Benny-”
I disconnect with a frustrated sigh.
I open the ride-share app on my phone and order a car to take me home. Once I drop off my luggage and pick up my car, I can start hunting for my brother.
While I’m waiting for my ride to arrive, I call James.
“Hey, Olive.”
“Hi, James. I just landed. I’m waiting for my ride to take me home. Any update on where Benny is?”
His disappointed exhale makes my shoulders drop. “No luck yet, kid.”
My face tingles with emotion as tears threaten to slip down my cheek. We both know what this most likely means.
James continues. “But I haven’t given up, and neither should you. We’ll find him and get him help.”
Againgoes unspoken, but I have no doubt we’re both thinking it.
“Thanks, James. Let me know if you find anything out, and I’ll do the same.”
“Sounds good, Olive. Stay strong.”
“I’ll try.” I swipe away the tears that won the battle as my ride arrives.
I don’t tell James about Marcus. I feel so much shame about what Benny did, and I don’t even know all the details. The last thing I want is for James to give up on Benny because of it.
Twenty minutes later, I’m dragging my suitcase up the flight of stairs to my apartment. The exhaustion from the last few days is finally catching up with me, because this feels harder than usual.
Finally, I’m standing at my apartment door, key in hand. I’m not sure why this thought didn’t occur to me until just now, but the overwhelming dread of what I could potentially find on the other side almost buckles my knees.
What if Benny is inside, but there’s a reason he couldn’t answer?
My breath quickens as my mind runs through all the possible scenarios, each worse than the one before.
There’s only one way to find out.
My hand shakes as I raise it to unlock the door. Slowly, Ipush it open and step inside. It’s bittersweet to find the living room empty. I push the door closed, pausing briefly, placing my forehead against the cool metal.
I have to check his bedroom, but my body revolts. I take a few steadying breaths as I pivot and walk down the hall with all the false bravado I can muster. Placing my hand on the wood, I gently push it open with a creak.
Empty.
