And that was when it hit me, creeping up my spine like ice water.
The tone in his voice.
What the hell was going on?
“I just—” My voice cracked again. “I just wanted to make sure she’s okay.”
He tilted his head slightly. “She’s fine. She has a lot on her mind right now.”
I nodded, because what else was I supposed to do? “Okay. Uh. Can you tell her I stopped by?”
His expression didn’t change. “If it’s appropriate, I will.”
“Right.”
Then he closed the door. Not a slam. Not rude. Just… final.
I stood there for a long second, staring at the painted wood like maybe it would open itself back up and Frankie would be there. Like maybe she’d push past him and roll her eyes and say,God, Coop, you’re such an idiot, come in.
But the door stayed closed and my stomach stayed twisted.
By the time I turned and headed back down the steps, my heart was hammering so loud I could hear it in my ears.
Edward Standish. At Frankie’s. On a Saturday morning.
Holy crap.
What the hell was going on with that?
I didn’t even make it to where she parked her car before my phone buzzed again.
Jake:
Yo Coop, where r u
Jake:
We need to talk
I ignored it.
For the first time all summer, I wasn’t sure who the bad guy even was anymore. I just knew it felt like everything was about to get a whole lot worse. When I got to the parking lot, I stared at her usual spot.
Her car wasn’t there.
That meant she wasn’t home.
I checked my watch. It was too early for her to be at work. But Archie’s dad was at her place…
I sent her a text.
You okay?
Chapter
Three
ARCHIE
