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EVERLEIGH
Though it’s beena slow day at the boutique, I’ve stayed busy unboxing the new fall clothes I ordered. It’s almost October, which means it’s time for cute furry boots, Halloween-inspired infinity scarves, and pumpkin spice-themed long-sleeved tees.
Heidi runs the front of the store while I focus on hanging and pricing everything in the back. Before I know it, I’ve worked straight through lunch and dinnertime.
“You need to go home,” she tells me after finishing all the closing duties. “All that will be here for you tomorrow.”
I sigh with a small smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”
When I check my phone and don’t see a text from Archer, I frown. He usually sends me messages throughout the day, but sometimes, he gets really busy too.
Everleigh: Hey babe, I’m about to leave work. Want a ride home?
I wait for a response but realize it doesn’t show it was delivered.
That’s odd.
As I walk to my car, I call him, but it goes straight to voicemail.
His phone must’ve died.
I don’t see him walking as I drive home, so he might’ve already made it there.
Sassy greets me at the door, and I call out for Archer. No response. I let Sassy outside, then notice a folded sheet of paper with my name written on the outside.
I read every word on the page with disbelief. There’s no way he just left.
I try his cell again. Voicemail.
What the fuck?Something’s wrong.
I call Tyler, and as soon as he answers, I ask if he knows where Archer is.
“He left around lunch because he wasn’t feeling well.”
“Did he say he was going somewhere?” I ask.
“I assumed he was heading home to rest. Why?”
My heart beats faster in my chest, and I swallow hard. “Because he’s not here. He left a note saying that he wouldn’t keep putting my life at risk and for me not to go looking for him.”
“Seriously?” Tyler snaps. “Did something else happen?”
“Not that I know of. I just don’t understand why he wouldn’t talk to me first. How could he just leave me like this?”
After a beat of silence, Tyler responds, “Maybe it’s for the best, Ev. If his past is following him, that could ultimately affect you. He’s protecting you.”
“That’s not good enough for me. We need to find him, Tyler. I don’t care what he thinks. We’re better together, not apart.”
“Archer’s a big boy. He can handle himself. If he left to keep you safe, then you need to stay put. We don’t know what’s going on, so let him handle it.”
I shake my head, hot tears spilling down my cheeks at the realization that Tyler won’t help me. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” I say through a sob. “I love him.”
“I know, and he loves you too. But it’s obvious he’s dealing with something, and maybe he can’t do that with you around.”
“He could get hurt,” I say. “What if I never see him again?”
“I don’t know, Everleigh. I can try to call him, but I doubt he’ll answer, especially if he didn’t wait to tell you goodbye.”
