AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I didn’t go there immediately after my altercation with the high and mighty Walker fam. I walked the mean streets of downtown Lubbock, acquainted myself with the rambling campus, and lingered in a park for a while. I pace when my mind isn’t at rest.
Suffice it to say my legs are worn out.
I’m worn out.
I’d like a bed, for crying out loud, but my credit card is at its limit and no way am I sharing a room with a former friend who thinks I’m Atilla the Hun or some equally black character.
What I’d most like is to be speeding toward Dallas, but although I’m tough, I have my limits. A road trip on the heels of two nights without sleep is not an option. Despite my loud and varied critics, I do value others’ lives.
I would have driven elsewhere for my siesta, but I was afraid of trouble if I parked in some random location. I did move to a more remote parking spot. Here’s to hoping I blend with the other motel vehicles. I’ll be long gone before the Walkers stir. Besides, I doubt any of them are looking for me.
Finally, my eyes are lead-weighted and sweet oblivion eats away at consciousness.
A soft tapping right beside my head has me living déjà vu all over again. Huddled into her arms, Annalise is at my door, her cheeks glistening. Those tears pluck my heart like a fiddle, yet still, I feel a sigh from my depths. Who knew silence could hurt far worse than words?
I lower the window.
She sniffles. “I need your help.”
Again?
Her eyes are sort of red, and something feels off—well, more off than our norm, that is. I sigh. “What’s wrong, Annalise?”This time?
Her mouth opens, holds, and I don’t think what finally slips out was her original intent. “I’m sorry, Marco. I-I’m sorry I didn’t defend you. I felt so awful, and Tripp was…”
I hold her gaze—and then surrender. I’m finding it isn’t possible to hold a grudge against Allie. “Being Tripp?” I fill in.
The spontaneous decision releases the ache that’s been swelling inside my chest ever since she let me walk away this afternoon.
“Yes, but I was wrong. Very wrong. Please forgive me for not speaking up?”
“Of course I forgive you.” I lay my fingers along her cheek. Straighten. “Hey, do you have a fever?”
She nods. “And I ache all over. I thought I was just tired, but…”
Oh man. My fear all along has become reality. “You need to go to the ER.”
“I know. Will you take me?”
“Allie. Your brother—"
“No, Marco! Then he’llknow.”
I feel her pain, I do, but this hiding from the ones who love her has gone on long enough. In times of crisis, it’s wrong to shove away the people who care the most. They have nearly as much at stake as she does. And if they’re worth their salt, the circumstances won’t make a difference.
My fingers cup her chin, gentle but firm. “Allie, listen to me. You—”
“How is it that every time I come looking I find you with your hands on my sister, Gonzalez?”
I press my head into the rest. Yep, déjà vu all over again.
Sleep deprivation has rendered my brain utterly incapable of conjuring a response with sufficient bite. No matter, because the next move belongs to Annalise. I drop my hand and wait as Tripp saunters over in a sleeveless undershirt that makes sure the tats remind all of his previous profession.
Annalise visibly wilts, and it’s all I can do not to jump to the rescue.
“Leave me alone, Tripp. For once, please just let me be.”
He bows up. “If you think I’m walking away, you don’t know me at all.”
