“Sally, I—”
“Think about it,” she interrupts. “When was the last time you did something spontaneous? Something just for fun?”
I open my mouth to answer, but nothing comes out. Because I can’t remember. It was that long ago.
We turn to the sound of Grim returning.
He appears at the end of the hallway, heading toward us. My pulse kicks up, and I suddenly feel like I can’t breathe.
He stops a few feet away. “Did either of you change your mind?” He looks from Sally to me and back again.
Sally and I look at each other. She raises her eyebrows at me, a clear challenge in her expression.
I think about all the reasons I should say no.
“You know what?” Sally says, grinning. “You only live once, right?” She grins at me. “Why not? I’m going with you, Grim, and you should join us, Wren.”
They both turn to look at me.
Grim’s dark eyes are steady on mine, and I can see the question in them.
Sally gives me the smallest nod, her smile encouraging.
12
Grim
Just when I think she’s going to turn me down again, Wren gives a tiny smile.
“Sure. Why not?”
Yes!
I need to get to know her, befriend her, and Sally is going to help me do exactly that. Having her there will make this easier. It’ll take any notion of this being a date off the table, which is perfect.
“Great,” I say, trying hard not to sound too happy about it. “I hear they make a mean bacon-and-egg cheeseburger.” I pretend it’s the prospect of food that’s making me excited.
“Cheesesteak is my favorite,” Sally says as she grabs her purse from under the desk. Wren just shakes her head, but there’s a small smile playing at her lips.
We head toward the exit, pushing through the double doors into the afternoon heat. The sun hits my face, and I squint against the brightness.
We’re maybe ten steps from the building when Sally stops walking. She fishes her cellphone from her purse, staring down at the screen.
“It vibrated,” she tells us. “I have a message,” she adds unnecessarily.
I didn’t hear anything. Not a sound. My enhanced hearing should have picked it up, but there was nothing.
Her fingers swipe over the screen, her eyebrows drawing together in what looks like concern.
“Sorry, you two. It looks like I’m not going to make it after all.” She looks at Wren, her expression apologetic. “Something came up that needs my urgent attention.”
She’s quite the actress. I’m almost buying it.
“Oh no,” Wren says, her face already starting to flush. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine, just…um…work stuff.” Sally waves a hand. “Please get me one of those cheesesteak hoagies,” she asks Wren. “Sorry to do this to you, guys. I’m sure you’ll be fine without me.”
She’s already walking backward toward the clinic, still talking. Then she spins around and practically jogs back, disappearing inside.
