Page 35 of Riley


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“We learned just last week,” he replied softly.

“Bullshit! If her body was full of cancer, you had to know before that.”

“Ethan,” Cara pleaded. “Calm down. We are all upset; don’t shout at Dad.”

I felt dizzy and hot, and I needed fresh air. I walked back to the front door and out onto the porch. I leaned my elbow against the pole and closed my eyes as I heard footsteps, and then a moment later, I felt a hand on my back.

“I am so sorry, Ethan.” Samantha’s voice was soft, sad. “I lost my mom two years ago. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I didn’t expect this.”

She turned me to face her, taking my face in her hands. “I know you didn’t. No one ever expects it, even when they know it’s coming.”

“I’m sorry you had to be here for this.”

“I think I might take the car and head back to the airport. I think you need your family right now more than you need me. I’ll let them know back at school what’s going on.”

“Fuck!” I growled. “I don’t even know what to do with that.”

“I’ll go back and talk to them, and I’ll let you know what they say.”

“Don’t go back tonight. You are as tired as I am. How about I give you my keys and you head over to my house. I can call and have food delivered over there.”

“Hey, I saw fast food down the street. Don’t worry about me. I’ll fend for myself and get comfortable at your place. You take as long as you need, and if you want me to come pick you up later, you let me know.”

“I will,” I told her.

She leaned forward and kissed me softly. “I really am sorry, Ethan. It’s the worst fucking thing in the world.”

When I looked at her, her eyes were glassy, as if she were fighting tears. I pulled her into my arms, needing the feel of someone against me. I was glad that she was here, but also sorry she had to see all this—especially since she had lost her mother recently.

I watched her leave, and then I stood there for a few moments. I heard footsteps off to my side and turned to find Riley coming around the side of the house.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you,” she said softly and looked away.

“It’s okay. I was just thinking.” She nodded and began to move toward her car. “Where are you going?”

She paused, turning back. “I’m not feeling so great. It’s been a long day, and I just want to go home.” I studied her. She did look tired, and her face looked a little puffy like she’d gained a few pounds. “I’m sorry you had to come home to this,” she said softly and then began to turn again.

“Riley, wait!” I started to take the stairs down toward her, but she held her hand up.

“You really shouldn’t get close to me, Ethan. You don’t want to catch what I have.”

“I’m not going to, Ry,” I told her, suddenly needing to have her in my arms. Of everyone here, it was her that I wanted to seek solace with the most.

“I’m so sorry about your mom, Ethan. Go be with your family. I’m sure I’ll see you before you leave again.”

She didn’t give me a choice as she rushed off to get in her SUV and took off down the driveway like demons were chasing her.

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