We’re tangled up in each other when I hear clapping and giggling.
Alyssa groans, pulling away.
“Did you hear that?” I ask, brows furrowed as my eyes scan the area. Based on Alyssa’s reaction, she did.
“Yes,” she says gruffly. “I told you. We aren’t alone.”
I stagger back, blinking in disbelief.
I heard that. I…heard a ghost.
My head shakes. “How did I…”
“Hear her?” Alyssa shrugs. “No clue. Have you noticed a presence here? Heard anything before?”
“No. I mean…” My head shakes. “No. I haven’t.”
She smashes her lips together. “Interesting.”
I take a deep breath, running my hands through my hair. “Who is it?”
Alyssa’s shoulders sag, and I can tell she doesn’t want to answer that. She pulls on her ear, biting the inside of her cheek.
“Alyssa,” I drawl, and she blows air out of her mouth, lips flapping.
“Don’t shoot the messenger, please.” She grimaces, crinkles forming around her eyes. “It’s Isla.”
The wind whooshes from my chest, and I feel lightheaded.
“Sit down,” she says, but I wave her off. “You look pale.”
“I’m fine,” I lie. “I just need a minute.”
Or a lifetime.
There’s no part of me that was prepared for Alyssa’s admission.
It can’t be Isla. There’s no way. I’d have known if she were here.
“Nick,” Alyssa begins, but stops, sighing heavily. “She’s been here the whole time, but I only just met her today.”
My head aches, and a million questions come to mind, but I can’t formulate a single word.
“She’s here because she wants to know you’re okay and that you’ll be happy.”
I swallow down the emotion swelling within. I’m not an overly sensitive man. I can handle crisis and tragedy like none other. I deal with it on the daily. But this…this is too much.
“I just need time,” I say, not knowing what else to say.
She nods. “Take as much time as you need. We’ll cancel tonight. I don’t need to—”
My head snaps up. “We’re not cancelling tonight, Alyssa. We’re going. I’m only asking for a couple hours to process this.”
I take a step toward her, grabbing her hand. “This is strange, but it isn’t your fault. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
The relief that washes over her face makes me feel for her. I can’t imagine how hard that was for her to tell me.
“Thank you, Nick.”
