Page 73 of Mountain Void

“That sounds like the first smart thing you’ve said all evening.”

22

Charlie

Isla brought her another cup of tea to replace the untouched one she’d just carried back to the kitchen.

“Thank you,” Charlie said automatically.

“Beau’s bringing Lorenz home,” Ry said. “They’ll be here soon.”

Charlie wrapped her hands around the warm mug, welcoming the heat. She was still so cold. She couldn’t seem to stop shivering.

“I’m sorry I … I’m sorry I called everyone out. It’s so late, and you should all be—”

“Stop,” Isla said gently, taking the seat next to her. “Please, Charlie. We’re here because we want to be.

Ry nodded. “For both of you.”

Charlie lowered her eyes to the steaming mug. “I feel so stupid.”

“Don’t. You did the right thing,” Ry said.

She’d done the only thing she could. It wasn’t the first time she’d worried about Lorenz, but it was the first time she’d worried for him. She’d hurt him so badly, and he’d looked so lost when he’d walked out … he’d looked shattered.

“I should leave.”

Isla and Ry exchanged a long look.

“Why?” Isla asked.

Because Lorenz might not want to see her, and she didn’t think she could stand it if he kicked her out of his house.

“I … I’m not sure Lorenz will want to see me.”

“I know for a fact he wants to see you, Charlie,” Ry said. “He sent a message asking us to stay here with you until he arrives.”

Charlie hesitated. Maybe he was only coming back because this was his home.

A sob caught in her throat. Maybe he was coming back to tell her it was all over.

“Charlie,” Isla said, slipping an arm around Charlie’s shoulders and giving a gentle squeeze. “It’s going to be okay.”

Charlie nodded, putting on what she hoped was a brave face. None of this was Isla's or Ry’s problem. It was her problem. After what she’d done, she owed it to Lorenz to stay and hear him out. No matter how much it hurt.

The sound of a motorbike cut through the silence.

“That’s them,” Ry said.

Charlie’s pulse lurched.

By the time the front door opened, Ry and Isla were on their feet. Beau strode inside, holding the door open for Lorenz.

Charlie looked up. Lorenz was wearing a jacket he hadn’t been wearing before.

Beau’s jacket.

His dark hair was damp, his face pale from cold, as if he’d been outside all this time.