Page 82

Our door won’t open. The chain is on, exactly like I asked. I text it’s me, and after a moment, the chain slides off and Tessa opens the door. She looks past me down the hallway, both directions, before she looks at me. She doesn’t say anything. She takes in my jacket zipped to the chin and my pajama pants and whatever is on my face, and then she slides the chain back on and climbs into bed without a word.

I sit on my bed in the dark in my jacket, with nothing underneath, and pull out my phone.

Nash: You okay?

Something twists in my chest. He’s asking me if I’m okay?

Me: Yeah. Are you?

Nash: Yeah.

Me: I’m sorry for what happened.

Nash: Not your problem.

Me: Okay.

Nash: Sorry.

Me: Don’t be sorry.

He doesn’t text back, but I keep the thread open and reread it a few times.

Me: Anything I can do?

Nash: Sorry Koda called you.

Nash: You didn’t have to come.

Me: Declan isn’t worth it.

I chew my bottom lip and type another one.

Me: Not worth my tears. Not worth your anger.

Nash: You’re right.

I stare at that.

Me: Good night.

Nash: You’re going to sleep?

Me: No.

Nash: Then why are you telling me good night?

Me: I don’t know.

There’s a long pause, no dots. I suck in a breath.

Me: Why did Koda call me?

Nash: I wouldn’t leave.

Me: Why?

Nash: I was pissed.