She doesn’t startle and simply angles herself toward me. “Hey. How’re you feeling?”
I run my fingers up through my hair, scratching at my scalp before shifting to my feet. “I haven’t processed how I’m feeling yet, but I definitely needed sleep.”
She nods. “Yeah, you did. I’m glad you got some.”
“Did I hear Ronan say he and Levi are going to go look for Keo?”
A somber smile tugs at her lips. “Yeah. Britt called. They still haven’t found him. They’ve only been searching around Maple Falls. It’s possible he went for a drive out of town. Without knowing which direction he could’ve gone, they’re reaching out to highway patrol for any clues.”
I simply nod.
“Do you want me to make you something to eat?” She sets the remote on the coffee table and starts toward the kitchen.
“No. I’m not hungry…” A strange disconnect washes over me, like my brain is slowly separating from my body. “I’m going to clean up. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay. I’m here if you need me.”
I’m halfway through my step when I pause, releasing a shaky breath. Instead of heading to the bathroom, I turn to her. She opens her arms, welcoming the embrace.
I squeeze her as tightly as she grips me, then bend forward enough to rest my forehead into the crook of her neck.
“It’sgoingto be okay, Ayden.”
My eyes close and I nod. I’m desperate for that reassurance. I need to be told that things are going to be alright—that Keo will walk through our cabin door, ready to talk, and tell me we’ll get through this together.
Because there’s no other way.
“Thank you… for everything, Cal.”
“What are neighbors for?”
“Sugar and milk.”
She giggles. “We have that, too.”
I lean back, and she tenderly places her hand against my cheek.
“Do me a favor though?” She nods before I continue, “Don’t tell Ronan I hugged you.”
That has her fully laughing, her eyes rolling as she turns her back to me. “I’m allowed to hug people.”
“Yeah…” I slowly begin to move toward the hall. “Youare allowed to. Maybe just mention you initiated it.”
Her laughter fades as I make it to the bathroom, where I piss, run a comb through my hair, brush my teeth, and wash my face. I’m wiping a towel across my neck when a loud knock sounds at the front door.
“I’ve got it, looks like another police officer,” Cal screams, and I fucking groan.
Goddamnit.
I don’t even rush. At this point, I’d rather not hear what they have to say. I’m done answering questions, there’s nothing else to tell.
I’m opening the bathroom door slowly when I hear her say, “Thank you, but he’s a little distressed at the moment. I think it’s just best any information is relayed through his friends and family.”
“I understand.”
Myentirebody freezes.
Nausea creeps up my throat, and the burn from the acid nearly has me choking. I have to be quiet, just in case I’m right, and that voice belongs to?—
