He considers this. Finally nods. "A few days. But then we tell him."
"Okay."
I get up and find my phone. Three missed calls from Luke. Two texts asking where I am.
I call him back.
"Jesus, Callie," he answers. "Where the hell are you?"
"Denver."
"Denver? What are you doing in Denver?"
"I needed a break. Drove up last night."
"In the middle of the night? By yourself?" He sounds equal parts worried and angry.
"I'm fine, Luke. I just needed some space."
"Space from what?"
From you. From the shop. From pretending I don't want Ethan. "Everything. I've been working nonstop. I needed a break."
He's quiet for a moment. "You should've told me you were leaving."
"I know. I'm sorry. It was impulsive."
"Yeah, well. You're an adult. Just... be safe, okay?"
"I will."
"When are you coming back?"
I glance at Ethan. He's watching me with an unreadable expression.
"Tomorrow," I say. "Maybe the day after."
"Alright. Call me when you're on the road."
"I will. Luke?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm okay. Really."
"If you say so."
We hang up. I set the phone down and look at Ethan.
"He's worried," I say.
"Of course he is. His sister drove twelve hours in the middle of the night and didn't tell him where she was going."
"I couldn't tell him."
"I know."
The guilt sits heavy in my chest. Luke is worried. I'm lying to him. And Ethan and I are here in this hotel room pretending everything's fine when it's not.
