But that didn’t make sense.
Then he smiled.
“Jess, hello. Yes. I’m hoping you will stay with Seph tomorrow night. As a precaution.”
“I’m twenty years old. I don’t need a babysitter,” she complained.
I flicked my gaze to her, my eyes widening. I saw the same look reflected in Sable’s eyes.
“It’s your birthday,” I said finally.
No one said anything.
Seph looked at me, then away. Some of the fire drained from her shoulders.
“Tomorrow,” she said quietly. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Damn, Seph I’m sorry,” Sable said. “I should’ve remembered.”
Seph forced a smile. “It’s ok. Everyone’s preoccupied. I don’t really care.”
Jess grinned at her. “Don’t worry, Seph. We can party all by ourselves.”
Seph didn’t laugh.
She stood abruptly. “You know, you don’t need me here. You probably have a lot to do. I might go lie down.”
I watched her slide her chair back in and head to the door. I could see Dev following her with his eyes, even if he refused to admit it.
Sable stood.
“Seph!”
“Sable, I’m ok. Really. I’ll see you later.”
I jumped up and followed her.
“Kieran we aren’t done here – “
I shut the door behind me, but she had already vanished. I ran through the halls, looking for where she went, but couldn’t find her. I was about to head back, when I spotted a flash of white hair walking out to the balcony overlooking the valley.
I couldn’t blame her. It was beautiful out there.
I spotted her perched in a corner on the floor, holding her knees close to her chest. She was watching the sunset over the hills, looking away from me. As I stepped closer, I could feel the warm sun on my back.
I called out to her. “Seph?”
She jumped, turning around. I paused when I noticed tear tracks smearing her creamy skin.
She wiped them away quickly.
“Kieran. What are you doing out here?”
“Looking for you.”
“Why?”
I slid on to the floor beside her. “I don’t know. I thought you might like company.”
