"Eva?" My dad's hands settled on my shoulders and kneaded into the hard, aching muscles.
"Are you okay?" "I-I'm tired.
I haven't been sleeping well."
I shut off the water and left the rest of the dishes where they were.
I went to the cupboard where we kept our vitamins and over-the-counter medicines and took out two nighttime painkillers.
I wanted a deep, dreamless sleep.
I needed it, so I could wake up in a condition to figure out what I needed to do.
I looked at my dad.
"Can you take care of Ireland until Gideon gets back?" "Of course."
He kissed my forehead.
"We'll talk in the morning."
Ireland found me before I could find her.
"Are you okay?" she asked, stepping into the kitchen.
"I'm going to lie down, if you don't mind.
I know that's rude."
"No, it's okay."
"Really, I'm sorry."
I pulled her close for a hug.
"We'll do this again.
Maybe a girls' day? Hit the spa or go shopping?" "Sure.
Call me?" "I will."
I let her go and passed through the living room to get to the hallway.
The front door opened and Gideon walked in.
Our gazes met and held.
I could read nothing in his.
I looked away, went to my room, and locked the door.
* * *
I was up at nine the next morning, feeling groggy and grumpy but no longer overwhelmingly tired.
I knew I needed to call Stanton and my mom, but I needed caffeine first.
I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and shuffled out to the living room.