We all turn to look at her.
She lifts her chin and sits up straighter. “I’m moving to Texas with my mom.”
“What?” I splutter.
“Why?” Nikki asks.
“When?” Renee adds.
“We’re leaving in the morning.” Tears well in her eyes. “I had to choose between staying here with Dad or moving into my grandparents’ house with Mom, and I chose to go with Mom because she’s really upset and she needs me.”
“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” I can’t believe this. There isn’t even time to throw her a going-away party.
Lyn glances over my shoulder briefly before swiping at her eyes, brushing tears away. “It all happened suddenly, and I didn’t want anyone to make a fuss.”
“We’re your best friends, Lyn,” I say. “I can’t believe you didn’t say one word about it.”
“We’ve been giving you space because we could see how upset you were and that you didn’t want to talk about it,” Renee adds. “But springing this on us at the last hour is really crappy, Lyn.”
My heart softens. None of us knows what this feels like, and Lyn has been through a lot. I’m sure she didn’t mean to hurt us on purpose. Taking her hands, I smile through my sadness. “I hate you’ve been going through all this alone. I wish you could’ve talked to us, but I understand you have to do what’s right for you and your mom. I hope things get better in Texas.” I pull her into a hug. “I’m going to miss you.”
The others get up, coming over to join us in a group hug. Whispers abound around us, but I don’t care if we’re drawing attention.
“You need to call us regularly,” Gwen says when we all break apart. “Just because you’re no longer here doesn’t mean you’re not one of us.”
“Gwen is right. Please keep in touch, Lyn, and maybe we could come visit you in the summer if you’re still there?” I suggest.
She nibbles on her lip. “I’m not sure where we’ll be. This might just be temporary, but I’ll try to keep in touch as often as I can.”
“Lyn arrived safely, and she’s at her grandparents’ place,” Gwen says from the passenger seat of my car the following night. Our shift at the resort has just ended, and I’m en route to the diner todrop her off to meet Scott. I cast a glance to my right, watching her tap out a reply.
“Good. Tell her I said hi. I’m still in shock. It all happened so fast.”
“I know, right?” Gwen places her cell on her lap and gives me her undivided attention. “Please change your mind and come to Thor’s tonight.” She seals her palms together in a pleading gesture. “I know you’re upset, but it’s Halloween, and everyone’s going to be there.”
“I’m not in the mood to party. I’m tired, and I just want to eat my body weight in cake and watch a scary movie.”
“He won’t be there. Thor is still pissed off with him.”
I slow down at the junction. “I love Thor for having my back, but I don’t want to cause issues with the team. I told Renee earlier to tell him he should invite Callan. It makes no difference to me, seeing as I won’t be there.”
I take the left onto the main street.
“You should go and show him you don’t care.” Gwen is like a dog with a bone. “Staying away sends a pointed message, and it’s not one I think you should make.”
“Drop it, Gwen,” I snap, losing my temper and gripping the wheel tight. “I’m not going, and that’s final.”
“But I’ll miss you.” She pouts, and it’s too hard to stay mad at her, especially when I know she’s only thinking of me.
I bark out a laugh. “Gwen, you’ll be too busy with Scott to even notice my absence.” I reach over and squeeze her hand briefly. “I love your loyalty, but go out and have fun with your boyfriend.”
“I don’t want you to be sad.”
“I won’t be,” I semi-lie. I will be trying hard not to think about Callan or the party or how everyone is out having fun when I’m tucked in my bed nursing a fragile heart. Doubt isetched all over her face. “I’ll be fine, I promise,” I say, taking the turn for the diner.
“I’ll message Scott to come outside.” Gwen taps buttons on her cell again.
“I want pics of your costume,” I request as I drive down the road toward Joey’s Diner, where some of the gang from school is hanging out before making their way to Thor’s.
