I nodded fast, pulled crumpled bills from my pocket, the last of last night’s tips, and shoved them at her. “Here. More if you want. Just… thank you.”
She took the money, softened a fraction. “He’s scared, Had. Really scared. Fix it.”
She left. Door clicked shut.
I went straight to our bedroom door. Knocked soft.
“Eli? It’s me.”
Silence.
“Buddy, open up. Please.”
“Go away.” His voice was small, muffled. Angry.
“I’m so sorry. I messed up. I should’ve come home. I....”
“I said go away!”
I leaned my forehead against the wood. Tears burned hot. “I know you’re mad. You have every right. I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here.”
No answer.
I slid down the door, sat on the floor, knees to chest. Everything crashed in at once. Twelve hours. Twelve fucking hours and my life was unrecognizable.
Married to a stranger. Ring on my finger. Sore and used. Brother terrified because I disappeared. Paparazzi probably circling like sharks. I couldn’t breathe right. Chest tight, sobs ripping out ugly and loud. I cried until my eyes swelled, until there was nothing left but hiccups and exhaustion.
Eventually I dragged myself to the living room couch. Didn’t have energy for a shower. Didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror anyway. I kicked off my shoes, pulled the thin blanket over my head like a cocoon, curled into the smallest ball I could make. My body hurt everywhere. Especially there. I sighed, lifted my hand, stared at the cheap ring in the dim light from the streetlamp outside. It looked ridiculous. Wrong. I wanted to rip it off, but my fingers wouldn’t move.
A soft click. Bedroom door opening.
I didn’t look. Didn’t need to.
The couch dipped. Small weight settled on me. Eli’s head on my stomach, arms wrapping tight around my waist. He was shaking a little.
“I’m still angry,” he whispered.
“I know.”
“I was so worried. I thought you weren’t coming back. Like Mom.”
My heart cracked open. “I’m here now. I’m not leaving again. I promise.”
He sniffled. “You always say that.”
“I mean it this time.” Tears slipped down my temples into my hair. “I love you more than anything, Eli. I’m sorry I scared you.”
He didn’t answer. Just held tighter.
We fell asleep like that. Him on top of me, blanket half-off, both of us crying quiet until sleep took us.
Noise yanked me awake. Banging. Shouting. Distant but getting closer.
Eli stirred, confused. “Hadley?”
I checked my phone. 3:07 p.m. Shit.
I sat up fast, head spinning. “Stay here.”
