A sob erupted out of me. I needed this. I needed him.
As promised, the signal cut out, and, as promised, he called me back a few minutes later.
“I’m going to stay on the line, all right?”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. Still crying, I changed out of my formal dress and stripped off my uncomfortable shapeware before staring blankly at my dresser, trying to decide what to wear, whether it was worth keeping on my lacy lingerie, as if a part of me wanted Alek to see it.
“Tell me what you’re doing,” Alek said.
“Uh—”
“Eva.” His voice was sharp.
“Trying to decide what to wear,” I whispered, embarrassed.
“Your most comfortable clothes,” he said. “Clothes youcan sleep in. Ugly underwear.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “You don’t have to impress anyone tonight.”
I laughed as I cried and did exactly as he directed, putting on old, soft sweats over cotton underwear and a bralette that held my breasts still, even if it didn’t offer any support.
“I’m washing my face,” I said softly when I moved into the bathroom in my hallway, carefully removing my makeup and then moisturizing.
“That’s my good girl,” he said, and I melted. “Pack a bag,” he told me when I turned off the faucet.
I put face cream into the bag and tossed in the scented lotion I loved before packing the athletic pants and t-shirt I normally wore to practice in the bag too, and padding downstairs.
“I have to text my dad,” I murmured to Alek through the phone.
“I’ll be there in two minutes,” he said.
Me
I’m going to crash with a friend tonight.
To my surprise, my father answered right away. He’d been more on top of communication and taking care of shit around the house lately.
Dad
Okay, be safe.
Love you.
Me
Love you too, Dad!
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed again.
Alek
I’m here.
I slipped on the grey coat Alek and Cole had purchased for me, then walked out the door.
Alek stood by the passenger door, imposing and terrifying, like he could chase all my problems and worries away with a word. I stood on the porch, staring at him, shocked at how relieved I was to see him here.
When he realized I wasn’t walking forward, he stepped toward me. “Eva?”
I shook myself out of my relieved paralysis, unwilling to examine why he was the first person I called when I was drowning, why I hadn’t hesitated when he told me he was going to come get me.
