“What? No. Why would he be with me?”
“I can’t find him, and I was hoping you knew where he was. He wasn’t at school when I went to pick him up, and the principal said he never came to school today.”
“Oh, shit. Maybe he cut with his friends. Have you tried their parents?”
“Yes.” I pause and close my eyes, mustering all my strength to not give myself away with my terrible acting. “I’m worried. This isn’t like him.”
“It’s okay, baby. I’ll help you find him.” It’s quiet before he asks, “Have you called Chance?”
“He’s my next call.”
“Okay, you call him and I’ll take a ride around the neighborhood.” I hear the sound of his keys clanging in the background. “Don’t worry, pretty girl. We’ll find him.”
Guilt pricks my conscience, and I have to remind myself that I’m doing this for good reason. “Thank you. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.”
I end the call and click on Chance’s name next. Nerves bubble in my stomach. Chance is the intuitive one of the two, and I’m really hoping he doesn’t call my bluff.
“Hi, rebel.” His deep voice rolls over me like warm butter. “How’s my girl today?”
“Please tell me you have Avery with you right now.”
“I’m home alone. Why, what’s wrong?”
“He cut school today, and now I don’t know where he is.”
“Fuck,” he hisses. “Let’s check the gallery, and I can take a ride down to the arcade. Maybe he ditched with his friends for a day of fun.”
“I don’t know, that just doesn’t sound like him. Plus, his friends’ parents said he isn’t with them.”
“It’ll take me a couple hours to get to you, but I’m on my way. Do you have Alyssa?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, I want the two of you to stay home in case he comes back.”
“Are you sure? Shouldn’t I be out looking for him?”
“Someone needs to be home for him, baby. You stay there by the phone. Tell Stephen to check the gallery, and any other places he likes to go in town. I’ll check the arcade, and we’ll be in touch if anything comes up.”
Alyssa clamps her hand over her mouth to keep herself quiet, and Avery smirks as he listens to the conversation.
“Okay, thank you, Chance.”
“Of course. Everything’s going to be okay, baby. Try not to worry too much. He’s a good kid. He won’t be doing anything bad.”
“You’re right. I love you.”
“I love you more. Talk soon.”
I let my head fall against the table with a thud when I end the call.
Alyssa giggles. “Now what?”
“You guys want pizza for dinner tonight?”
“Yes!” they both shout.
