Page 124 of Twins for Three Bad Boys

“Don’t be long,” he says instead.

I nod and step outside before the air inside gets heavier.

The evening is soft and gold, the kind of light that makes Redwood Run look harmless. The mountains are edged in pink. Porch lights blink on one by one. Someone down the street is grilling, the smell of smoke and seasoning drifting warm and familiar.

I tuck my hands into my sleeves and start walking toward Main Street. Gravel crunches under my boots. A screen door slams somewhere. Mrs. Hargrove waves from her porch.

I wave back.

My phone buzzes.

I freeze.

Unknown number.

My heart drops so fast it almost makes me dizzy.

I don’t open it right away.

I keep walking.

Buzz.

I pull it out.

Unknown Number: You really going to ignore me like I’m nothing? You really think blocking me will work? Come on, June.

My throat tightens.

Another buzz.

Unknown Number: I just want to talk.

My stomach twists.

It’s him.

Of course it is.

I block this new number too.

My thumb barely leaves the screen before…

Buzz.

Another unknown number.

My hands start shaking.

Unknown Number: You can’t keep running.

I stop walking.

The world keeps moving around me. A truck passes. Someone laughs outside the bar. The river hums faintly in the distance.

Everything looks normal while I feel like I’m standing on glass.

Buzz.