Page 29 of The Liar in Room 5

“Have you eaten today?”

“Well, I mean, I went down to breakfast…” My voice trailed off while I crossed my fingers he wouldn’t ask for more details. It was a foolish hope because I knew enough about Henry by now to know it wouldn’t end with a deflection.

“But did you eat breakfast?”

“I went downstairs.”

“Since you’re not answering the question, I’m gonna go with no. You might’ve been there, but I’m guessing no actual food was eaten. What about lunch?”

“Well… I started reading the book I mentioned in the text messages, and I got distracted, so I missed lunch.”

Henry stopped walking and simply stared at me. My hand was still in his, and he gave my fingers a gentle but firm squeeze.

“I just want to make sure I’m understanding this. It’s…” He glanced at his watch. “It’s six forty-five now, and you haven’t eaten all day. Did you at least drink some water?”

“Ew. Gross. I hate water.”

My hope that Henry would simply move on was quashed almost immediately. He muttered something under his breath about foolish boys who didn’t know how to take care of themselves.

I knew he wasn’t talking about me because I could take care of myself just fine.

I’d been doing it for six months.

I mean…not well. I wasn’t eating much, and I skipped lunch all the time. Half the time I missed dinner too. That might’ve been why my clothes felt a little baggy lately, but under the circumstances, that didn’t seem like helpful information he would appreciate hearing.

“Sweetheart, I’m going to have a lot more to say about this, but I’m going to wait until we’ve gotten some food in you. Are you in the mood for anything in particular?”

I knew it was probably the most annoying trait on earth to be unable to decide what to eat for dinner, but it was true. I never knew until someone suggested something, and then I’d think, Oh, that sounds good. Before that, though, I never had any ideas of my own.

So I shrugged.

“Okay, how about this? Chicken, fish, or beef? Which one sounds best?”

“I mean…maybe beef?”

“Excellent. We’re making progress. Do you want that ground up, or do you want the whole thing in a steak?”

I laughed. “I mean… I love a good steak. It’s the Iowa in me.”

“Perfect, sweetheart. We’re going to the steakhouse.”

Henry announced it as if I’d just helped him discover the meaning of life.

He squeezed my fingers, pulled me close, and kissed me firmly like it was the most natural thing in the world. The warmth that had been in my cheeks settled lower in my stomach, and suddenly, I forgot all about being hungry. Absentmindedly, I brushed my fingers across my mouth after he stepped back. When I realized what I’d done, I dropped my hand back to my side.

Henry noticed.

His eyes followed the movement before they settled on mine.

“Is that okay, sweetheart?”

“It’s… It’s good. It’s…” I smiled despite myself. “Really good.”

8

Drew

“Welcome to The Anchorage. Are we celebrating tonight?”