Page 161 of Silent Shadows

It feels like the cold medicine has replaced half my blood with lead.

Outside the window, movement catches my eye.

Daisy.

Near the edge of camp, hoodie pulled tight around herself, pacing slowly with her phone pressed to one ear. Talking softly. Laughing once.

Something unpleasant twists in my chest.

I do not like how immediate that feeling is. Or how recognizable. Jealousy. Before I can spiral properly, the RV door swings open.

Cold evening air rushes in along with the distant sound of crickets.

Jax stomps inside first, carrying three grocery bags and looking energized after his ride.

Taylor follows with bags tucked under one arm, and Maya trails in behind her.

All three stop and look at me with pity. I’m sure I’m a mess with sticky, sweaty hair and shorts. My dignity is long dead.

Jax squints.

“Dude, I don’t know how, but you look worse.”

I narrow my eyes. “Don’t.”

“You look like a lost sailor wasting away from sea fever.”

Taylor drops supplies on the counter. “You alive?”

“Getting there.”

Maya sets down medicine bottles. “We brought cold meds.”

“I already took cold meds.”

“Clearly.”

Jax glances out the window.

Then back at me.

Then out the window again.

“She’s on a phone call,” he says. “Sounded serious.”

Taylor lifts one brow. Then casually says, “I think it’s her ex-boyfriend?”

“No,” I blurt.

Three heads turn toward me.

I clear my throat.

“I mean…”

Great start. Excellent recovery.

“She—probably not.”