“What’s wrong?” I hurry around to her, dropping to my knees.
Red-rimmed eyes greet me. I hate seeing how sad she looks. Those blue eyes should never hold an ounce of pain.
“I got fired.”
“What? How? They can’t do that.”
I brush the fresh tears rolling down her cheeks with my thumb.
“I was costing them too much business. They couldn’t afford to keep me on.”
“Because…because of everything that’s been happening?”
She nods.
“Fuck. Stevie, I am so sorry. Can I call and try and talk to your boss? Figure something out?”
She shakes her head, tucking a loose blonde hair behind her ear. “It hasn’t stopped, Bode. They got my email and I can’t take it anymore.”
“What does that mean?” I swallow the emotion choking my throat. It’s hard to breathe as she stands and starts pacing the living room.
“What if they find out I’m staying here, Bode? What if it escalates? I can’t stomach the idea of something happening to you or Caleb or our grandmas.”
“You realize the two of them are a home security system in themselves, right? They’d take anyone out.” I try to add levity to the situation, but it’s no use.
I’ve never seen Stevie like this.
“But it could happen. Until this thing blows over, I’m going to go and stay with Crestina for a while.”
“Please don’t.”
“I’ll be back when this blows over.”
I stand and take her into my arms. I try to memorize every curve and dip. Because right now, it feels like she’s leaving.
For good.
“It doesn’t feel like that. Please don’t go,” I beg.
“I can’t be here right now, Bode. It hurts too much.”
“Stevie. It’ll blow over.”
It feels like a lie coming from my lips. But what else can I say to get her to stay?
“As long as I’m around, they’re going to keep coming after you.”
“But…” I don’t even know what to say.
Don’t go?
Stay?
I love you?
The bags by the front door tell me Stevie’s mind is made up.
“I love you, Bode. But I just need to clear my head. Try to find stable footing.”
