That was what I told myself anyway.
And that was the only reason I could say, “I hope you find what you love,” without crying. “I want that for you,” I whispered in my quietest voice.
He tightened his grip and slowly looked up at me.
I recognized the pain in his eyes.
The grief.
The sleeplessness.
“Some people don’t like to let it all out, in fear that once those words are spoken, they can’t take them back.” His fingers spread across my thighs, the tips reaching my butt. “That’s you.”
I nodded, the movement making the knot in my throat larger.
“I hope, one day, you can let it out, Sky. I wantthatfor you.”
I kissed him.
In a way that made my heart punch against the inside of my chest. I even held his face so he couldn’t move. All he could do was take.
And he did.
When I finally pulled away, his eyes gradually opened, and he looked at me like he wanted more.
“Goodbye, Whiskey.”
I worked my way out of his grip, my pace faster than normal as I made my way to the door. When I had it ajar, I turned toward him.
I didn’t expect him to say a word.
He hadn’t last time.
But when he voiced, “Goodbye, Sky,” and the door closed behind me, what I also hadn’t anticipated was the tears that formed in my eyes.
The ones that fell over my lids.
And the ones that dripped past my chin.
NINE
Walker
Colson
I’ve called twice. Why aren’t you picking up?
Make that three times. Answer your goddamn phone, Walker.
Or at least text me back.
Come on, man. Don’t make me ask one of the Spades to go in and check on you.
Jesus fucking Christ. Would it kill you to call me back? I know you’re sitting in that hotel room, not doing shit.
At least tell me you’re okay.
Iheld my finger against his last text, and when the box appeared, I selected the thumbs-up. That was all I gave him; I didn’t have words.
