It wasn’t too long ago that she was a long-standing recluse. I’m happy for my sister though, glad that her and Michael worked things out after all this time.
I turn on the news, only because I see the sports caster on the screen. I’d missed a basketball game because I’d worked late but I’d been dying to know the outcome. We were closing in on the national championship and the Fighting Illini needed a win.
The highlight-reel plays as my phone buzzes loudly against the coffee table in front of me. For fuck’s sake! I’m about an inch away from throwing the damn thing out the fucking window. I pause after seeing yet another text from Tash flash on the screen.
Katie had her phone on her when she left my place. She was replying to a text from Ellie. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t answer - Tash
She said she’d let me know when she got home. That was over an hour ago. I can’t reach her and I’m starting to get worried - Tash
I think me and Luke are going to check by her apartment - Tash
Well, fuck! So, there was something that had been playing on Tash’s mind. I rush to reply to her text. I grab my keys and coat before heading out the door.
Don’t worry, I’ll go - Evan
The drive over to Katie’s is short but I seem to drag it out by stressing about what kind of situation I’m walking in to. For all we know, she could be with someone. Or, this could be a massive ploy by Tash to get me to man up and talk to Katie. An idea strikes me as I pull up outside her brownstone:Veronica!
Of course, I’d seen Veronica at the wedding, so I know at some point she must’ve been staying with Katie. They don’t have any other family living within the city, so I would have bet on it. If only I knew if she was still in town. I keep the car running as I search through the contacts on my phone, hoping to still have her number. If Katie’s cousin is still here, she might know where she is - or if she’s home, at least.
I cross my fingers as I hit the ‘call’ button. I scan the windows of Katie’s place as the phone rings against my ear. The lights are on but I know Katie is good about setting them on timers. Aside from that, I don’t see or hear anything else.
If either Katie or Veronica were home, you’d know. There’d be the flash of the telly, hell you’d probably be able to hear it from out here.
“Hello?”
“Hi. Veronica?” I let her name hang in the air as a question. I’m second guessing myself when there’s a pause on the line. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a different number by now, the last time Katie called her on my phone was a while ago now.
“Yes, who is this?” I make a sound of relief at hearing that.
“It’s Evan.” What the actual fuck, she’s not going to have a clue who I am. It’s an awkward moment as I try to think of how to describe myself. “Um… Katie’s Evan?”
For fuck’s sake. What if Katie didn’t tell Veronica about us? That could potentially be an awkward conversation for her later.Just be non-descript.
“Oh, Evan! Hi. What’s up?” Well, that worked a treat. Now comes the hard part. I have to ask about Katie without worrying her, and if she’s not even here then this whole venture will have been a complete waste of time.
“You must know that Katie and I haven’t really been speaking but I’m worried about her and I wondered if you were still in town?”
“Oh. I’m sorry to be a bit useless but I flew home last week, right after the wedding. Should I be worried?” she asks, but by her edgy tone, I can tell that she already is, as much as she tries to mask it.
“No, I’m sure it’s nothing, just me being ridiculous. I’ll let you go, I’m sorry to have bothered you.”
“It’s fine. When you find her, can you ask her to give me a ring? Just so I know she’s alright.” I agree, offer a quick goodbye and hang up. I feel slightly guilty for worrying her but I didn’t have any ideas left.
I slump into my seat with resignation before climbing out of the car. I make my way up the porch steps and stop at the door. I pound heavily on the door, the sound echoing in my quiet surroundings. It’s dark now, evening has officially come out to strangle the afternoon. And I stand there waiting but there’s no answer.
Where the hell are you, Katie?
