“Anytime. We were just heading to bed when your mom caught us. We know how she worries when she works.” Fran pats my shoulder as I wrap my arms around my middle. “You’re always welcome to use our guest bedroom.”
I should be used to night shifts, but it’s been a while since Mom has had to work them. It never gets easier. I’ve stayed at Bob and Fran’s before. Their house has a weird smell and creepy dolls in the guest bedroom. “No, I’m good here.”
As Bob walks upstairs, he calls out, “So far, so good.”
“Did you want something to drink? I could make you a tea.” Fran moves toward the kitchen island and looks at the cabinets.
“No. Thank you. I was heading to bed myself.” Taking a deep breath, I say, “I’ll be good.”
I clutch my phone. My knuckles are white. I’m not sure if the guys will actually try to reach out tonight, given how late it is, but I didn’t like the feeling of not being able to contact someone.
Bob comes down the stairs. “All clear. The doors are still locked and did their jobs. You just lock up after we leave and you’ll be fine through the night. I’ll keep an eye out for a while, but I doubt whoever it was will come back. I don’t think we need to call the police.”
“Thank you again for coming over.” I smile at them as best I can.
“You need anything, you call us or just come over. Bob’s a light sleeper, so he’ll hear if you come knocking.” Fran touches my arm one more time before Bob heads out the door.
He turns. “Make sure you lock it up tight.”
I smile and nod. “I will.”
“Sleep tight.” Fran waves as they step off the porch.
I lock the door and double check the front door is locked too. I text my mom the all clear and pick up my piñata stick.
I honestly don’t think I’m going to sleep tonight. With all the lights still on, I grab some chocolate ice cream from the fridge. In the living room, I settle on the couch and queue up a bunch ofFriendsepisodes.
CHAPTER 22
The Calm Before The Storm
Harper
Something wakes me. I sit up, confused. All the lights are on, and I’m on the couch. The TV is still working its way through season three ofFriends. I pick up my phone from where it fell to the floor. Maybe that’s what woke me.
I glance around, but nothing is out of place. I hold my phone above my face as I lie back down on the couch. More messages have come through. Pictures on the girls’ group chat.
Penny:
OMG you’re missing the best party. Wish you were here
Nice way to treat a new friend who’s grounded. Not that I’m really grounded, but she doesn’t know that.
DEATH (Luke):
Where r u?
I scrunch up my face at that. Home. Where does he think I am? I look at the time stamp and it’s from around fifteen minutes ago. I’m tired and don’t want to type anything thatmight get me punished, so I ignore his text, hoping he’ll assume I’m asleep.
I shrug out of the sweatshirt and leave it with the blanket on the couch. Yawning, I turn off the TV. I grab my trusty piñata stick because I’m going to sleep with this bad boy all night, even if it is covered in purple and pink ribbons.
It’s really stupid late now, and I’m pretty sure I can just crawl into bed and go back to sleep.
Leaving the kitchen light on, I turn out the others. No more knocks on the doors, and I’m sure Bob has long since gone to bed. The guys are probably out partying. Maybe Luke even texted because he’s drunk and wondering why I’m not at his beck and call.
I snort laugh a little on the way up the stairs. My laptop is open in my room, and all the horsemen’s rooms are still empty. Not surprising. I feel a pinch in my gut, as I can’t help thinking about them getting laid tonight.
How would I even know unless someone else brags about it? I close my laptop, angry that they’re probably partying hard somewhere and someone else is likely getting them off. I rub at the ache in my chest. Not that I want to get them off, but they made a promise.
