“Will it be run through a system or something? A database?”
He grins and leans on the counter. “You on the run from the law or something?”
Yes, but not for the reason he’s assuming.
“No, nothing like that.”
The clerk’s gaze slithers up and down my frame, making me want to shimmy off the cringe. “Working girl? You don’t look like the usual type.”
Is that a jab at my weight?
Ignoring the urge to sass at him in defense of my body type, I let my face fall lax and attempt to fib my way out of the situation. “No. My friend is hiding out from her abusive ex. He’s got connections, and I’m sure he’s tracking our stuff. I just want to keep her safe.”
He purses his lips and straightens. “Fine. I’ll keep your info private. But I still need a card and your ID in case you damage the room.”
Darn my luck to find the only motel clerk in town who insists on following rules.
“As long as you promise not to put this information into a computer system or whatever, then fine.”
Once he nods in agreement, I slide my cards toward him.
Thirty minutes later, I aimlessly flip through TV channels while Kenzie takes a long, much-needed shower. The high of having my best friend back rapidly fades into boredom.
Is there anything worse than late-night hotel television programming? Doubtful.
My stomach growls, but I ignore it. I’m good at that.
Kenzie sticks her head out of the bathroom. “Lila, I hate to make this about me. But I just realized I don’t have any clean clothes. So you’re about to get an eye full.”
Grinning, I toss her a plastic bag. “I got you this at the gas station, silly.”
She peeks into the bag, spotting the swimsuit cover-up I bought while getting her food and drinks. “Best friend ever.”
The perks of living in a beach town. There’s tourist attire at nearly every store.
Once she’s dressed, she plops down on the bed beside me and grabs my hand. “I mean it, Lila.”
“Mean what?”
“You’re the best friend ever. No one else would have done everything you did to save me. I owe you my life. And I knew—I just knew—you wouldn’t let me down.”
“That’s because you’re my family.” My voice deepens with an influx of emotions. “When I had no one, I still had you.”
And I mean that.
Kenzie isn’t perfect. Neither am I. But she was there when my entire world crumbled to pieces at my feet. Well, I should say crumbled for the second time. She’s been the only constant in my life, like the sister I thought I’d have beside me forever.Losing one sister was enough for me. I’ll do anything I can to keep this one.
Kenzie cuddles beside me, wrapping one arm over my lap. I run my fingers through her hair, unable to tear my eyes from her. Soon, she rolls over and falls asleep. Poor thing must be exhausted.
As much as I’d love to get some rest, I’m too keyed up. I abandon the TV and opt to doom scroll on my phone.
A message pings a few seconds later, shattering all bits of my peace and ripping away my comfort.
Silas:
Hope you enjoy your night at Turtle Sands. Tomorrow, the real fun begins.
EIGHT
