I shake my head. Seriously, Keller? You’re worrying about him?
Something is definitely wrong with me.
My phone buzzes, and I jump. I completely forgot that I was even holding it.
It’s fully powered up now, and dozens of text messages roll in. At least I have cell service here. Hallelujah.
I open the first text that pops up. It’s from Kate asking where I am. I had practice at ten this morning but obviously didn’t show. The next one is from Macy this afternoon. I scan it quickly.
Girl! Where are you? I thought we were studying today at 2.
She texted again twenty minutes after that.
Did I get my times mixed up? No biggie. See ya at work tonight!
Her next message came just half an hour ago after I didn’t show up for my dinner shift at Café Trois Soeurs.
Okay, girl. I’m getting a little worried. You weren’t at the library and now you’re not at work. That’s not like you. You better be shacking up with some hottie otherwise I’m gonna freak out at you next time I see you. Call me just so I know you’re okay?
A missed call shows from Café Trois Soeurs five minutes after Macy’s text along with a voicemail. The voicemail’s from my boss, asking where I am. If I’d actually had my phone on when I’d been driving with the trucker, I could have answered it.
But my thoughts had been too consumed with Collin. I hadn’t even thought to turn my phone on.
“Shit. I hope I don’t get fired.” I hastily call my job and get the manager. Sam sounds majorly peeved.
“I’m really sorry,” I say. “Something came up suddenly.” I nibble my lip, realizing I’m doing it again—protecting a man who abducted me. Now would be the perfect opportunity to tell somebody what really happened.
“Fine,” Sam replies curtly. “I’ll give you a pass this one time because you’ve always been so reliable, but don’t miss work again. You’re scheduled tomorrow at four. You better be here.”
“Sure. Of course, and I’m sorry again.”
I hang up and text Macy back. I lie again. I make up a story about my dad and him needing me. I say I had to travel home unexpectedly. I feel like the most horrible person on earth for doing that, but it’s the only excuse that she’ll actually believe.
She replies right away.
Oh shit, girl! I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Look, don’t worry about anything. I’m off tomorrow so I’ll tell Sam I’m covering your shift. Just take care of you, hun. xx
Tears prick my eyes. I’m so damned grateful. My heart feels happy that I have such amazing girlfriends, but at the same time…
It hurts. My heart still hurts and it has nothing to do with my life back on campus.
Fuck. What’s wrong with me? I bring a hand to my forehead and can’t stop my glance toward those northern mountains again. I need a serious psychological evaluation.
Maybe my brain got scrambled when I hit my head on the floor.
It’s the only rational explanation I have for my behavior. I’ve gone from knowing that I can’t trust Collin and wanting to get as far away from him as possible to wondering what he’s doing at this moment and hoping he’s okay.
“Coming inside?” someone says.
The question snaps me from my mulling. A guy who looks to be in his early thirties is standing at the bar’s entrance, holding the door open for me. His gaze dips to my neck, and I can only imagine what I look like. Not to mention, who knows how long I’ve been standing here looking like a deranged woman who can’t tell up from down or left from right.
“Um…” I pocket my phone and heft the pack up higher as I gaze at the bar. Maybe an alcoholic beverage is exactly what I need, but I don’t have a ton of money, and what funds I can put on my credit card I should really use for a rental car or Lyft to get back home. Come to think of it, I don’t have any cash on hand—
But then my hand flies to my other pocket, the one I stuffed my tips into last night. My eyes widen when I feel the slim wad. I have over two hundred bucks.
A smile lifts my lips. “On second thought, yeah. I can definitely use a drink.”
The guy grins. “And some company?” He raises his eyebrows, and I groan internally.