What do you mean—no?
Typing bubbles appear before disappearing. Then they return again. A few seconds later, there’s still nothing.
A full minute crawls by before my phone buzzes.
Kia:
I went to Oliver’s but had to leave.
What the hell is that about?
I stop pacing as worry eats at me.
She should be relaxing at Oliver’s place. Maybe watching a little TV. Or scrolling TikTok. Isn’t that what women her age do?
Does she even know this city?
My jaw tightens as I hastily type out another message.
Me:
Where are you?
There’s another long pause.
Too damn long.
Is this woman trying to give me a heart attack?
Because that’s the direction this is headed.
Kia:
It’s not a big deal. I just walked in on Oliver and Rina having a little private time in the living room. So…
A startled laugh huffs out of me before I bite it back and pinch the bridge of my nose, forcing down a flicker of amusement because the situation isn’t funny. Not really.
Me:
So you left? Alone?
The answer comes quicker this time.
Kia:
Yes?
Goddammit.
Me:
Tell me where you are.
Kia:
Good question. I’m not sure. Just walking around.
Yeah… there’s absolutely no way I’m going to let that continue. My fingers fly across the screen before I can think better of it.
