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Acid churns in my gut. “Then I’m going too.” He was my best fucking friend.
“Same,” Trick backs me.
“Neither of you are medically cleared to travel.” Ford’s gaze slams into me. “Maybe by next week...”
Rook claps a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll need you in top form, brother.”
My diagnosis sours my stomach, twisting my guts. “Fucking bullshit” is all I finally mutter.
“We’ll be in touch as soon as we get more intel. Just focus on getting yourselves where you need to be to get the hell out of here.” Ford grasps my hand in a firm shake.
“Carys...” I let her name hang in the air. But he knows what I’m asking.
“Already done, brother. Jessie’s been talking to her and keeping me in the loop. I’ll have eyes on her as soon as she gets back to California.”
“Phoenix will keep an eye on her until then. Who the fuck knows where Axe’s head’s at, or what he’s gonna try?” Rook adds.
“She’s going to California?” I groan, frustrated. I thought she’d be staying in Kroydon Hills. An entire country away from this shit.
“Jessie said she’s coming to help Emerson.” He shifts uncomfortably. “Em’s not handling everything well. We should have more for you guys soon.” Ford steps away and claps Trick’s shoulder before they walk out the door.
This is all so fucked.
Coach turnsdown the cobblestone streets of Old City, less than thirty minutes after the Kingston jet lands back in Philly. I feigned sleep during most of the flight home, not ready to hear Coach’s latest words of wisdom.
He means well, but sometimes a girl just wants to wallow in her own pity party.
And I’m throwing myself a hell of a good one tonight.
Not a single star lights up the dark night’s sky as I say goodnight to Coach and climb out of the car in front of Chloe’s townhouse. It’s as if even the heavens know it isn’t a good night... That I’m not supposed to be in Kroydon Hills.
My heart is still in Germany, and that’s where my soul longs to be. Even sitting in that waiting room, knowing Cooper hated me, was better than closing the door behind myself as I walk into the townhouse.
This feels too final.
And I’m not ready for final.
I lock the door, then take a few steps toward the kitchen for a bottle of water before I stop dead in my tracks.
Chloe and a stunning woman with long jet-black hair are locked in a hot embrace. The leggy bombshell is leaning against the fridge with her head thrown back, while Chloe’s lips skim her neck, and her hand works inside the front of her shorts.
“Oh, shit. Sorry,” I mumble as I scramble away.
“Carys, wait,” Chloe’s voice calls out.
Refusing to stop, I shake my head. “I can’t, Chloe. We’ll talk in the morning.” I don’t look back as I drag my body up the stairs, drop my bag on the floor, and face-plant in my bed.
The last thing I see behind my closed eyelids before falling to sleep is the look of disgust on Cooper’s face as he threw me out of his room.
* * *
“Carys...” Daphne’s voice invades my sleep-deprived brain.
I ignore it and burrow deeper in my bed, not sure what time it is as my blanket is tugged down my body. Cool air washes over my skin, but I am most definitely not ready to face the day. I tossed and turned all night and doubt I got more than an hour or two of actual sleep. And as much as I love my best friend, Daphne’s voice is not welcome right now.
Dream or not.
I crack one eye open, protesting the wakeup call, to find my bestie sitting next to me. Looking perfectly put together, her blonde hair pulled back and her pearls resting against her throat.
