Page 95
Torin stands in the doorway. I'm lying lazily on the couch, reading a book. We've been here a few days, and it's almost starting to feel normal. I did a little shopping with Bronwyn today, and she picked out some of her favorites for me. She came back with piles of bags, and I had a bit of a fashion show, but I miss going out on my own. He says it's not safe yet. They all do.
He saunters over and sits beside me. He picks up my foot, settles it in his lap, and begins working his thumb into the arch without comment. I've started running again on the treadmill they keep in the basement gym. I'm looking forward to the day I can run outside, and I hope it's coming soon.
“Do you have any word yet, Torin?”
“No.”
“Anybody have any idea if they've followed us here?”
“No.”
“Do you think they've given up?”
“Absolutely not.”
I don't ask any more questions. I know they've done everything they can.
“Did you have a good day?” he asks quietly.
“I did! Did you know your sister has a theory about cashmere? That it isn't the price but the ply count that matters?”
“Where'd she learn that?” he asks, that divot forming between his eyes again. I want to kiss it.
Where did that idea come from?
“Some woman in Galway who was mad at her for touching the wrong one.” I sigh. “It felt like a normal afternoon today. I’d almost forgotten.”
He nods and nestles my foot back in his lap. “You'll have lots more normal afternoons eventually.”
I yawn so widely my eyes water. I didn't know I was this exhausted.
“Sleepy.” He tips his head to the side. “Do you need me to help you to bed?”
Last night, I don't know when he went to bed. I never heard him come in. When I woke this morning, he was asleep, but probably not for long. He doesn't sleep well on his own, and I know it.
“I can walk, but thanks.”
“I'm wondering something.” He doesn't look away. The corner of his mouth lifts.
“Oh?”
Footsteps sound outside, then Bronwyn’s voice carries in before she does.
“Has anybody seen my mobile?” She steps in and cocks her head to the side. “Valentina, have you?”
Her phone was on the table earlier. I noticed it.
“Not since we were shopping online,” I tell her honestly. It was on the table between us all afternoon, unlocked, face up, notifications coming and going. She's the kind of person who leaves things wherever she puts them down—her tea, her cardigan, an open book—and the phone is just part of the background. I noticed it.
I contemplated calling Lorenzo. I miss him. Giuseppe too.
What have my brothers done to find me?
Bronwyn pats her pockets, checks the chair where we sat earlier, then retraces her steps with the unconcerned frown of someone who loses things constantly and has never been unable to find them.
The search fans out. Cavin suggests the sitting room. Kyla suggests her car. Bronwyn goes to check.
Torin stands. “Walk with me.” Not a question. I walk with him.
