Page 9 of Crossed Lines

“I’ll make sure there’s a fresh pot of coffee for you.”

“Thanks.”

“Thank you, Willow. I really do appreciate you doing this.” He finally looks me in the eye for the first time since I got here. And he called me Willow. He’s never called me Willow. It’s always Wills or William or Willow Tree. Never just Willow. I like the way it sounds coming from his lips a little too much. I glance down at his mouth. Oh god, why am I staring at his lips?

I quickly look away, hoping that he didn’t notice.

“Yeah, it’s no problem really. It’s gonna be fun.” Before I can do any more stupid things, I turn to find Jade and Sawyer in the living room. Sawyer’s doll now looks like an absolute psychopath, but Jade is laughing her head off, so she must like it.

“Alright, Jade. I will see you bright and early in the morning, ok? We’re going to have the best summer ever!” I tell her.

“Yay!” She stands and gives me a hug before jumping on Sawyer and giving him a hug.

He faux whispers in her ear, “Make sure you keep an eye on Willow. She can get a little crazy.”

Jade laughs.

“Hey! I heard that,” I say.

“Oh, sorry.” The two of them giggle before Sawyer puts her down.

Once we’re on our way home, Sawyer asks, “So, you think it’ll be good?”

“Besides the six o’clock start time, yeah, I think it’s perfect,” I tell him.

“Good. So what’s with the sudden need for extra money?”

I haven’t told Sawyer about the study abroad yet. I know he’d do everything he could to try to get me the money, but he’s already done so much. I want to do this on my own. So I tell a little white lie. “Just want some extra money. Only one more year of school and everything, so I need to start saving.”

“That’s a good mindset to have, Wills. Proud of you.”

“Thanks.” I feel bad about lying to him, but this is for me. I want to do this on my own.

“Jade’s a good kid. You’re gonna have fun.”

“I hope so. I’ll look up some fun kid activities tonight while I’m trying to fall asleep. How is Beck doing? He seemed different today.”

Like he wouldn’t look at me, he didn’t tell a single joke, and he looked tense, which is not something I’m used to from him. Beck has always been the laid-back, good-time guy.

“Really? I didn’t notice anything. He’s probably just stressed about this whole thing. Can’t believe Gemma just sprang that on him last minute.”

“Yeah. Maybe that’s it.”

But even as I say it, I don’t think I believe it.

CHAPTER 4

Beck

I’ve lost my mind. That’s the only thing that can explain this insanity.

I worked late into the night cleaning my house, making sure it was in tip-top shape for today. Why? Because my best friend’s little sister is coming over, and I’ve got some unexplainable need to impress her.

I wiped down all the counters and tables and swept and mopped the floors. I did the best I could at organizing Jade’s toys. My house has never looked so clean.

Even when I went to bed later than usual, I still got up with enough time to fold the blankets I had drying overnight, put the dishes away, and get a big pot of coffee going.

This is absurd. Willow probably doesn’t care about any of this.