Even the library has you all over their shelves.
I’m a literary genius.
I’m quick with my response. Keeping it light, fun, hoping to make her smile. I also like knowing more about her, that she goes to the library on her days off.
They say you’re in the Maldives with a model.
Just goes to show you can’t believe a word they’re saying.
If they only knew you hang out at a small-town diner all day.
I like the scenery there better.
So do I…
She sends an image with the last text, one of the Whispers landscape. The scenery is amazing on the back roads that lead to her place. But while the landscape is beautiful, there’s something else that catches my eye.
You got bikes?
Toy store was giving them away. We saw a notice on the community noticeboard. James loves it.
She’s fucking resourceful, and while I prefer she has a car, bikes are better than nothing.
“Ahhhh, Sutton?” Griffin prods, and I look up from my phone, seeing the three men staring at me. My wide grin falters a little, as they have that “gotcha” smirk on their faces.
“Alright, let’s go.” Reluctantly, I pocket my cell. Probably better, since she needs to concentrate on the road anyway.
“I also want a library,” I tell Griffin as we start to walk out of the gym and make our way over to the vacant plot of land next door. “A big one.”
He chuckles. “Of course you do.”
“You don’t even fucking read!” Sawyer yells from behind me, and I hear Tanner laugh in response.
Yeah, life in Whispers is feeling better and better with every passing minute.
It kind of makes me want to stay more permanently.
11
Nikki
With our hair now marinading in black dye, James and I sit together, watching the TV, eating our homemade spaghetti, the one amazing dish I can make.
I love cooking. I’m just not great at it. Years of having all meals prepared by a private chef will do that to you.
“Oh, look. It’s Dad!” James blurts, and my eyes snap to the TV that’s showing the nightly news.
“Turn it up.” I sit forward, my heart in my throat as James increases the volume.
“Titan Holdings, the US-based oil conglomerate, wrapped up its annual shareholder meeting earlier today, reporting strong financials and steady year-on-year growth. Company executives highlighted strategic expansions in shale operations and refining capabilities, attributing their performance to resilient market demand and cost efficiency. Investors reacted positively to the company’s long-term outlook, with Titan’s share price edging higher following the announcement.
“Owner and CEO Colin Titan described the fiscal year as 'a turning point' for Titan Holdings, signaling plans for increased investment in domestic infrastructure. Although his face is still solemn, as his personal life continues to weigh heavy on him. Missing now for over three months, there’s no news on his two children and their whereabouts. In what many are describing a serious turn of events, he’s also spearheaded a new department within Titan Holdings, one which reinvests into the environment, inspired by his daughter’s passion for sustainability. It’s said that for every acre of land purchased for drilling, he’s also buying an acre of land for reforestation. Thereby balancing his impact on the environment, aiming for net zero. The move has caused a ripple through his competitors, further showcasing how he and Titan Energy are at the forefront and leaders in this space.”
My breath hitches in disbelief. It was an idea I mentioned when he was pushing me to work with him. I suggested offsetting the business footprint, knowing that he wasn’t ever going to stop drilling. I can’t believe he’s put it in action. The recording shows Dad walking out of his New York high-rise office and getting into his waiting car, moving past the cameras quickly, head down, focused. He looks older than I remember, with dark circles around his eyes, thinner than before, and my heart hurts for him. I miss him, but I’m scared to go home. James and I both sit in silence, glued to the screen, as a reporter chases my dad from his building to his waiting car.
“Mr. Titan, any update for shareholders on new oil drills?”
My dad stops, and I still. He never stops. He never takes questions like this. He looks at the reporter and then looks straight at the camera.
