Franco and Gracie are talking about how the criminal got my phone when she looks at me and points right at my chest. “Well, you know you can’t go home, right?”
I look from Gracie to Franco and back. “I mean… I…”
Gracie turns to her brother. “She stayed with you last night? Are you going to keep her with you? I’m sure Ma and Pops will put her up. Maybe Bev… Bev has that big house…”
I look between them again, feeling like I’m missing something. “You don’t think I can go home yet?” I ask naïvely. I mean, let’s be real. If Franco wants to offer me another night with him, I won’t say no. But that’s a far cry from me never being able to go back to Aunt Ann’s.
“Do you know how easy it will be for that sicko to find you?” Gracie says, true concern marring her features. “Did you use any GPS apps on your phone?”
My stomach sinks. My entire life is in that phone. Over the weeks I’ve been getting to know Star Falls, I’ve used my GPS to find everything.
My new place was saved as “home.” The shop is saved.
“You have a passcode on your phone?”
“Um,” I mumble as my cheeks heat.
I bypassed the feature because I wanted to save time, and I never thought someone would take my phone and use it against me.
Damn it.
“Franco, you can’t let her go home alone. Not until they catch the prick who did this or you can beef up the security at her place.” Gracie’s arms are flailing wildly as she gestures.
Echo is nodding behind the counter. “I agree.”
It’s dark outside, and the idea of going back home to Aunt Ann’s alone is now the only thing I can think about.
I don’t want to, but the real reason isn’t just fear. One more night in Franco’s bed, in Franco’s arms, is a gift I would not turn down if it was offered.
“Promise me,” Gracie says. She’s so intent on him assuring her I’ll be safe, I’m sure there’s more going on than meets the eye here. Gracie has some story to tell, and while tonight isn’t the time, someday I’ll ask her.
“We’ll deal with it.” Franco nods at his sister and Echo, then puts a hand to my elbow. “We got to roll. Just…” He looks at his sister. “Keep your eyes open, Gracie.”
She nods somberly and waves at us. “You need anything, Chloe… Wait.” But then she stops. “Oh shit. I was going to give you my number.”
“I have a phone now. Your brother helped me get a replacement today.” If Gracie is surprised by what I tell her, she doesn’t show it. She takes my new phone from me and punches in her contact information, then hands the device back to me. “You text me if you need anything,” she says, and she’s so sincere, I believe she means it.
“Thank you.”
“I mean it,” she says, giving me another hug. “Anything.”
“Thank you,” I repeat before she releases me.
Franco and I are quiet once we’re back in his truck.
“You know you don’t have to—” I start, but he is talking at the same time, so neither one of us hears what the other tried to say.
“Sorry,” I laugh. “You first?”
He nods. “My sister makes a good point.” He’s looking at me with no hint of a smile on his face. “I don’t know if it’s the best idea for you go to back to your place just yet.”
I nod and look down at my hands. I’m clenching my fists in my lap, at war with fear and vulnerability deep inside. I don’t know what to say or do.
“Chloe?” Franco’s studying my face when I look up at him. “It’s going to be okay,” he promises.
I nod, but I need a little time with my thoughts. Rather than pretend I’m okay, I say exactly what I’m feeling. “It makes me feel really vulnerable to rely on you the way I need to right now. Can I just think for a minute?”
“Think? About what?” His eyes darken, and he frowns. “Are you thinking about going back home? To Pennsylvania?”
