I laughed. “At least you're finally admitting you were mean to me.”
“I'm admitting no such thing.” She waved her hand as if ridding herself of the stench of truth and continued. “If we could discuss all those awkward, horrible firsts over the years, we can discuss whatever this is.” She patted her chest with both hands. “Lay it on me.”
“Gina, it's nothing. Really, I'm just exhausted,” I reassured her.
“Okay. If you say so.” She snatched her keys from the table and went to the door.
“Hey!” I followed her. “Where are you going?”
“It's obvious you need to rest. Maybe when you wake up, you'll be ready to talk.” Gina stepped into the hall separating our apartments. “If you won't talk to me, maybe Jessandra can help.” As she closed the door, I heard her mumble, “Whoever she is.”
“Gina, wait!”
“What?” she asked, her keys swaying in the lock of the door directly across the hall from mine.
Slightly frantic, the words spewed from my lips. “Why did you say that?” It felt like the question was sucker-punched out of me.
Her brows furrowed, and she shrugged. “You said it in your sleep.”
I stood there in shock while she stared at me. I hadn't heard that name aloud in over a decade. Had I not had the wishing stone to prove I was there, I would’ve talked myself into believing none of it happened. Some of my time there remained vivid. The rest was just… gone. Forgotten. It made my brain hurt thinking about it. Astaroth—
Goosebumps spread over my skin again. I hated even thinking his name, and that’s all I was doing lately. There was always an underlying fear he would hear it and reappear.
“Hello?” Gina waved her hand in front of my face. “Earth to Calista.”
My eyes snapped up to hers. Her voice sounded annoyed; her expression was anything but. A forced smile spread over my face. “Sorry.” I shook my head. “You really confused me.”
“Uh huh.” She wasn't buying it. “Like I said—”
The outer door to the building swung open, and two police officers stepped inside. Gina and I peeked at one another as they walked toward us, checking the apartment numbers on the doors. We stepped in front of our apartment doors leaving a gap for them to walk through. They stopped when they reached Kaiden’s apartment then looked at me.
“Are you Calista Thomas?” the burlier one asked.
Gina’s eyes widened, and she inched across the hall next to me.
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
“Is Kaiden Thomas home?”
“Yes,” I drew out. “What’s this about? Did he do something?” Because I knew damn well I hadn’t done anything wrong.
“We need to speak with both of you. It’s regarding your parents.”
