She’s cut off from saying anything more when the porch light flicks on. Steph jumps back from me, startled, the pair of us blinking furiously as the door opens and Alex appears. His gaze bounces between us, taking in my still outstretched hand and the faint flush to his mother’s cheeks, evident despite the dim yellow lighting. He remains behind the screen door and refrains from saying anything, but I watch as his face hardens.
I swear this kid has the worst timing ever.
Dismayed, I drop my arm, offering him a curt nod. He doesn’t return it, doesn’t acknowledge me at all as his eyes shoot questioningly to Steph. And then it happens again. I watch as she mentally retreats from me. Can practicallyseeher rebuilding her protective walls brick by brick. Her face just … shuts down. I’m losing her, dammit. Any headway I’d made tonight is gone, just like that.
Why is this so hard?
Every encounter with her is two steps forward and then one step back.
“I have to go,” she whispers, not meeting my eyes as her son pushes the door open for her.
“Steph—”
But she’s already slipped inside.
19
Steph
Unknown
Good morning, Sunshine
Steph
…
How did you getthis number?
Unknown
I might have peeked at your desk when you were busy closing up last night. There was a sticky note on the monitor with your contact info
Steph
Damn, Piper! Why does she always have to write everything down?
Does that mean you have my email, too?
Unknown
Maybe ;-)
Are you mad?
contact saved as Riley
Steph
…
No
Riley
Good
Steph
