Tobias has never ever asked me to take photos of myself. After my traumatizing event I went through during senior year, I appreciate him for never making me feel like I had to.
But, I trust him more than anything. And right now—right now, Ireallydon’t mind sharing a piece of myself with the one man I love the most.
He groans, rolling his eyes. “What are you doing to me right now?” I hear the booming beat from the karaoke bar get louder, as I can only assume someone has entered the bathroom.
I smirk, moving the camera beside me. “Not what IwishI could be doing—I promise you that.”
“Can Thanksgiving come any faster?” Tobias whines. “We’ll haveallthe time alone and I can hardly wait.”
I open my mouth to answer…but I can’t. I think back to what Katelyn said about our relationship.
After a moment of silence, he swallows deeply. “What is it?”
“I just—I have to talk to Flux. That weekend is going to be a lot of prepping for midterms so I’m not sure if she’ll want me to stay back to help…” I say sadly.
I see something else flicker past his eyes. Like sadness or something even deeper than that. Maybe I’m acting too hasty. I mean…maybe I should—
As if suddenly sobering up, he straightens his posture, and clears his throat. “I’ve got a lot to figure out at the restaurant anyway. It’s no problem. You’re good.”
My eyebrows pinch together as I look at him. “Are you sure?”
He threads his fingers through his hair, and I can see him smoothing his hand down his shirt. “Uh. Yeah. I’m just…missing my solo, that’s all.”
Oh,he wants to leave.
I look at him shocked. “Oh! Well, um. Wouldn’t want you to miss that.”
He nods his head. “Yeah, I guess I should run.”
“I guess you should.” My jaw tenses. “You’ll call me later tonight though, yeah? When you get home?”
He takes a second to respond, looking down at his feet. “Yeah. Sounds good.”
“I love you,” I rush out.
He nods his head, bringing his eyes up to mine. “I love you too.”
With that, the screen goes black, leaving me feeling confused.
Not the way I thought our call was going to end, that’s for sure.
20
Tobias
The bad thoughts are loud again.
October
21
Tobias
“I just want to know you’re doing everything you can to find him.” I sniff, rubbing my nose with the back of my hand.
Jameson sighs into the phone, audibly exhausted with me. I get it. I’m tired of myself too. But every day that he’s out there, is another day I’ve got to lie to themandElijah.
The faster they find him, the faster all of this can be over.
