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“Of course I can.” Her voice was soft. “Whatever you need, I can do it.”
“I’ll let you know when I get to Boston.” He still wasn’t looking at her.
“I’d appreciate that. I want to know she’s safe.” She moistened her lips with her tongue. “Nate?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you tell her I’m sorry?”
He frowned. “What are you sorry for?”
A humorless laugh escaped from her lips. “I don’t know,” she said, her brows knitting together. “For not answering her call. For not being here when she needed me.” Because I took your attention away when she needed you the most?
“I’ll tell her.” He gave a short nod. “I should go. They’re waiting for me.”
A moment later he was headed to his bedroom – the one that was still minus a bed. A loud creak told her he was opening his closet, no doubt throwing clothes into his overnight bag.
And then there was one. Just Ally, this huge house and all the dark thoughts that threatened to rain down on her.
Her chest ached with a sense of loss she couldn’t quite understand. Because she hadn’t lost anything had she? Or at least she hadn’t yet.
* * *
“Okay, everything’s back where it belongs.” Lucas walked into the living room where Ally was sitting with Ember and Brooke. Griff, Lucas’ best friend, was hovering behind him, having come over to help carry the bed back from the patio. “We’ll head out and leave you ladies to it.” He winked at Ember who smiled back at him. “See you later, babe.”
“Thanks for all your help,” Ally said. Her voice was fragile as glass. “I appreciate it.”
“Any time.” He gave her the softest of smiles. He really was a good guy. No doubt Ember had filled him in on all the gory details while they were on their way over. “If you need anything else, call me, okay?”
“I will.”
The two of them left, heading out to Griffin’s truck, where their surfboards were stashed in the flatbed. It was strange, knowing that normal life was still going on while Ally felt as though she was at the center of a storm. Surfers still surfed, teachers still taught, even the coffee shop was still open. For most of Angel Sands it was just another Friday.
Not for Nate and Riley, though. Or for Ally.
“What time is Nate’s plane due into Boston?” Brooke asked, checking her watch.
“Any minute now. He got on the first flight out once the police confirmed Riley was on the earlier plane.”
“And his sister was going to meet her?”
“Along with some police officers. They were going to escort his sister to the arrival gate so she doesn’t have to wait in the hall.” She gave a wan smile. “I guess she’s there already.”
“At least you know she’s safe.” Ember reached out for her hand. “What a mess this all is. You must be exhausted after everything that’s happened. Maybe you should go lie down.”
Ally shook her head. “I couldn’t sleep even if I wanted to.” Not with all these thoughts racing through her head. Every time she thought about Riley seeing them out on the deck it made her feel sick. Not because of her embarrassment, but because she hated to think what Riley must have thought of her.
She came home because she was upset and wanted Ally’s support. Then she found her in bed with her father. She must have felt so alone, so betrayed. Exactly the same way Ally would have if she’d been in her place.
Her phone buzzed and Ally grabbed it.
Made it to Boston. Riley’s safe with Kirsten. I’m heading there now.
That was it. Nothing else. Ally stared at his words, trying to take them in.
“Is that from Nate?” Brooke asked. “Is everything okay?”
“Um, yeah I think so. He’s made it to Boston and Riley’s with his sister.”
