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“I have no idea,” I say methodically, not really paying attention.
“Well, go look,” she urges.
“It would make it ten times worse if he hasn’t even tried to figure out what happened to me.”
“Well, go look,” she says again. “It’s highly unlikely he wouldn’t notice you went missing after saying you were just going to the bathroom.”
“I guess.”
Walking back into the living room, I sit on the couch and pick up my phone from the coffee table where I left it last night.
It buzzes in my hand as another message comes in, and I swipe my finger to unlock it, my heart fluttering when I see Alex has called ten times and texted just as many – all asking me where I am, where I went, what happened, and if I’m safe.
Ashley sits down next to me, and peeks over at my phone. “What’re you going to say?”
“I don’t know. What should I do?”
“Listen to the voicemail. Hear his voice. Hear what he has to say. Then make your choice. Whatever it is, I’m here.”
Nodding, I hold my phone to my ear and feel tears pricking my eyes the moment I hear his voice.
What happened, gorgeous? Where are you? Why did you leave without saying anything? Call me. Please.
His smooth voice is tinged with worry, and I wrap my free arm around my middle in an attempt to hold myself together. Then I press the next message.
Baby, please call me. What’s going on? Are you safe? I went to the cottage and you weren’t there, and your car is still at the bar. I’m desperate here, gorgeous. Call me back.
Then the next. It opens with a long sigh that I can feel in my bones, and my heart clenches in my chest, wishing he was here. Wishing this didn’t happen. Wishing he wasn’t the Alex everyone warned me about.
Melanie, he starts, and I close my eyes at the sound of my name from his lips.I just… I need to hear your voice. I need to know you’re okay.
Silent tears slip down my face at his quiet desperation.
“Mel,” Ashley whispers, touching my leg. “What did he say?”
I clear my throat. “Um, he wants to know if I’m okay and where I am.”
“You should call him. I’m going to go change and give you some privacy.”
Nodding, I stare down at my phone while she leaves. After a few minutes, I muster the courage to press call on his name.
With a shaky hand, I hold it up to my ear and listen to the rings, each one vibrating through my body until he answers.
“Mel,” he breathes. “Where are you?”
Covering my mouth with my hand, I choke back tears.
“Mel, baby, what’s wrong?” His voice is strained, and I try not to hear the pain he’s feeling. “Please don’t cry.”
“Alex.” I choke on his name, and squeeze my eyes shut. “I saw you,” I whisper.
“What?”
“I saw you. And her.”
“Who?”
“Don’t play stupid,” I spit out, my resolve firming.
