My heart almost flutters out of my chest.
I mean, it would have if I still had one.
I try to keep my cool when I ask, “So, Lubec? Getting back, trying to avoid the jerks, make some money, and find a way to keep each other?”
She smiles and nods. “Deal.”
Thank fuck.
FIVE
The old enginecoughs and sputters, protesting the long drive as we pull into the parking lot at Shannon’s. I’m panting, and my knuckles are white as I grip the steering wheel, willing the van to make it just a few more feet.
The drive here was rocky, to say the least, and it’s a wonder we didn’t break down in the middle of the road.
With a final, reluctant lurch, we roll to a stop, the engine letting out a pathetic wheeze before falling silent without me turning the key.
Dead.
Final destination.
My heart races as I glance over at Saylor, who’s perched in the passenger seat.
“We made it,” I breathe out, my voice tinged with relief and disbelief.
“Barely,” he replies, eyebrows reaching his hairline. “I think Van-essa just died. Is there something like van heaven? Is her ghost here with us?” he jokes, looking around himself as if waiting for her spirit to appear.
“Ha-ha. You’re so damn funny,” I mutter, clicking the seat belt open. “I told her she was allowed to die if we got Lio tothe hospital in time, and she held out even longer. But now she’s done, and it seems like she took the permission to heart.” I stroke the interior in front of me. “Thank you for having my back, old friend. I promise I’ve got yours. I’m going to fix you no matter what. Even if I have to stay here forever to do it.” When I look back up at Saylor, he’s watching me with a frown and sad eyes. “What? I love this shitty van, okay? Nobody gets left behind.”
He looks at me for a moment longer, frown deepening and silence stretching before he softly repeats my words, “Nobody gets left behind.”
It’s silent again for a few heartbeats. My gaze goes to the restaurant, and I’m nervous about what’s waiting for me.
Tally’s going to be furious.
I’m a shitty friend.
But it’s not like I have any practice at being one.
Saylor starts to fidget, his whole demeanor changing, and I glance at him. He smiles, making a come-here motion with his finger. Leaning in curious, I ask, “What?”
He leans in, too, so he can whisper in my ear. “If I can make you come with one finger, imagine what I can do with my whole hand.”
I laugh, a smile tugging at my lips while I shake my head, exasperation in my tone as I say, “Ugh,come on.”
He grins, leaning in to kiss my birthmark. “You got way too serious again. We’re here. We made it this far. It’s going to be okay, Boo. Everything will work out.”
He’s right. As long as he’s here, I’m going to be fine.
Let’s just hope he stays for a while.
We climb out of the van, my legs trembling from the ordeal of the sketchy drive and my nerves about being here. As I close the creaking door, the restaurant’s neon sign flickers to life over the deserted parking lot.
I turn to face Saylor, a grateful smile on my lips. “Thanks for sticking with me. I don’t want to face Tally alone. I turned off my phone after she called me over and over.”
“Sure, I’m here, but I didn’t have a chance against that firecracker while I was alive. No way I can do anything to help like this.” He gestures to himself, waving his hand through his stomach, making me laugh.
“You can be my emotional support spirit,” I tease, smiling at him.
