What If You & Me (Say Everything #2) - Roni Loren Page 0,90
crime podcast called What Can We Learn from This?”
Her attention snapped upward. “Wait, I know that podcast. I’ve listened to it. It’s good.”
“Well, that’s Andi’s podcast and today, when she put up a video, she got some threatening comments.” He pointed at the papers. “Those are screenshots.”
She peered at the papers, lines bracketing her mouth as she read through the comments. “Jesus. What was in the video?”
“It was a video of me teaching her how to cook something. She wanted to do it for fun bonus content,” he explained. “But then these assholes jumped into her comments, threatening her. Andi said she’s used to it and that there isn’t really anything to do about it, but I wanted to bring it to you in case there is.”
Christina’s frown deepened. “Unfortunately, she’s mostly right. At least, legally speaking, but maybe…”
“Maybe what?” he asked, leaning his forearms onto his thighs.
She swiveled her chair toward the computer on her right. “I know a few tricks. I might be able to search some of these screen names, see if I can cross-reference them on other sites and figure out who these guys are. At the very least, if we can figure out where they live, she can rest easy knowing they aren’t local.”
“Local.” The thought made his stomach flip over. “Let’s hope to God that isn’t the case.”
“I highly doubt it,” she said. “Most trolls never come out of the dark. They like wielding power on the internet because that’s all they’ve got. But let me do some poking around, and I’ll see what I can find.”
“Really?”
She shrugged. “Yeah, sure. I mean, it will be unofficially. It’s not police business. But no one should have to put up with that kind of abuse, especially when all Andi’s trying to do is help women keep themselves safe.”
He reached out and put his hand over hers. “Thanks, Chris.”
She smiled and pressed her other hand over his. “She seems like a really interesting gi—woman. I wouldn’t have predicted you’d go for someone who writes horror novels and looks like she could be in a punk band, but I’m glad you found someone who’s helping you get back to your old self.”
He slipped his hand from between hers. “My old self?”
She nodded, gaze going serious. “Yeah, the guy who doesn’t hide himself away and let the world go by. The guy who doesn’t cut off all his old friends. The guy who was good at being the hero.”
His jaw flexed. “Andi doesn’t need a hero.”
“No, I’m sure she doesn’t,” she agreed. “But sometimes fighting on behalf of someone else helps us remember that our own life is worth fighting for, too.” She gave him a pointed look. “I’ve been worried about you, Hill. Mad at you. But also worried.”
The bald truth in her tone had him standing up. “I’m okay. Better than I was.”
She stood and stepped around the desk. “Yeah. I see that. I’m glad.”
He cleared his throat. “Well, I better get going. Thanks again for being willing to help with this. Call me if you find anything useful?”
“Of course.”
Before he realized what she was doing, she stepped forward and put her arms around him, hugging him. On instinct, he returned the hug, the familiar scent of her shampoo drifting upward. It smelled like another lifetime.
“I’m glad we don’t have to hate each other anymore,” she said, a little catch in her voice.
He released a breath and gave her back an awkward pat. “Me too, Chris.”
She let him go and stepped back, straightening her uniform, her cheeks reddening. “God, I’m sorry. Now the hormones are turning me into a hugger.”
He chuckled at her dismay. “Oh, the horror.”
“Don’t tell anyone on your way out.” She pointed at him. “I have a reputation to protect.”
He winked. “Your secret’s safe with me. We’ll talk soon.”
Hill left her with the screenshots and headed out, feeling lighter than he had in a long time. Hate really did take a lot of energy. He wished the best for Chris, but she no longer got to take up space in his head or his heart. He walked out of the station and finally—finally—let go of what they’d had. It’d only been a story he’d been telling himself anyway. That fairy tale had never been real.
No more stories.
No more turning things into what they weren’t.
Eyes wide open from now on.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Andi traced Hill’s scars gently with a fingertip, her cheek against his chest, her body sated and heavy after an afternoon of seeing who could