Now? It feels like it was hopeless to ever think I could keep my heart from beating for him. He takes care of me and somehow knows what I need before I ever even realize it. I want to be just as supportive of him as he is of me, but this is literally killing me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this anxious because this threat isn’t a deadline, isn’t disappointing fans. This threat is real. It has life and death consequences.And I can’t lose James. I refuse to.
I pop up from my chair and start pacing. I don’t know if I can just sit here and wait. I know Arlo and Oakley are more than capable, and add in the Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, I know I bring absolutely nothing to the table. My only weapon is my brain, and Lord knows that’s a fucking mess right now.
No, going out there, where there is a possible psychopath is a dumb move.
I head upstairs, hoping I can find some sort of distraction.
Neurotically, I move from chair to chair, to the couch, then to the bedroom, trying to distract myself, but it’s impossible to stop thinking about all the possibilities.
My phone buzzes in my hand, and I almost throw it with excitement.
Rina:
Want to help me deliver a dining room table?
Me:
No. I mean, I probably should, but I can’t be that far away from town. Unless you’re delivering it in town, then possibly. I need more details.
I curse my rambling. If I wanted to seem put together and not have her question me, that was the exact opposite approach to take.
Rina:
Okay, lots to unpack here. First, are you okay? Second, it’s out of town, so I’ll take a raincheck.
Me:
I am … not okay, I think. There’s some stuff going down, and Oakley is out saving the world, and I’m so anxiety riddled I can barely think.
Rina:
I can push off the delivery. Do you want me to come and hang out with you?
Me:
Nah, I’m shitcompany right now.
Me:
Maybe I’ll just send a message to Arlo and hope he gets back to me with an update.
I send the second message without thinking about who I’m talking to, and her response tells me it was the wrong move.
Rina:
Oh, Mr. High and Mighty is involved? Not shocking. Trouble seems to find him more than not.
Shit.I don’t think I can tell her what is actually happening because I’m not even supposed to know. But I also know she didn’t always hate him and that they used to be close when they were young. Knowing he might actually be in danger might cause a different reaction.
Me:
Umm, kind of. It’s more like he’s helping … where he can …
Cryptic and tells Rina exactly nothing. Good job, Will.
Rina:
Umm, cool. He can still fuck off. Keep me updated, and if you need a distraction, I’ll be back at my workshop after this delivery.So, maybe two hours?
