“I said stay out. This is my room.”
“Callie, I’m sorry.” It’s Max, and there’s concern and hurt in his eyes to match his voice, but it’s meaningless to me.
“Sorry?” Never has a word been so inadequate.
“Callie, please let me explain.”
“I don’t want to hear it.” I really don’t, though there’s so much that doesn’t make sense.
“John Hargrove doesn’t just own a shipping company. He’s a drug trafficker, and we caught him in the act tonight.”
“We? Who exactly are you?”
“Miles and I are special agents for the State Bureau of Investigation.”
I blink at him. “Get out, Max.”
His eyes go to my suitcase. “Don’t leave, Callie, please. I can’t stay with you right now, but I want the chance to talk to you later, to give you a full explanation. Miles will want to talk to you, too.”
I need him to go, because tears are threatening. “How could you do this to me? You used me!”
“Callie, we didn’t want to hurt you.”
I’m trapped in a nightmare. Everything has been a lie. My sister’s wedding is ruined. Her new marriage may very well be over. My family’s never going to speak to me again, and they’ll be completely justified in hating me.
“Get out now, Max, or I’m calling security.”
The only good thing that happens all day is that my roommates aren’t home when I get there. I can’t bear to face them, either.
Earlier, I was texting them about how well everything was going. I was giddy with happiness, looking forward to telling them about Max and Miles. Now, my life is ruined, and even worse, Sadie’s life, too.
Somehow, I manage not to vomit again.
All I want to do is go to bed, but I need to shower first. My skin feels dirty, like I’ve been touched by strangers, which I have.
Once I feel sufficiently clean, I pull on shorts and an old t-shirt, turn off my phone, crawl under the covers and cry myself to sleep.
CHAPTER 57
CALLIE
After waking up multiple times throughout the morning and falling back asleep because I don’t want to face the world, I eventually need to leave my room sometime after ten to use the bathroom.
When I come out, my roommates are both waiting for me in the hall.
Grinning, Ana peers into the bathroom. “Is there a man in there with you?” Then she sees my face.
Marissa had already noticed my distress. “Callie, what happened? Why are you home early?”
I want to push by them and go back to hide in my bed, but I feel like I owe them an explanation, and maybe talking things through will help shut down the constantly spinning thoughts that kept me from sleeping soundly.
Normally, my sister is my person when I need emotional support, but I’m sure I’m the last person she wants to see.
That thought brings tears to my eyes, and my roommates immediately rush to my side.
“Callie, what’s wrong?”
“What happened?”
