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I tilt my head, staring at the bag like it contains a grenade.
“I didn’t order food.”
She checks the receipt. “You’re Claire?”
I nod, confused.
“Enjoy.”
“Thanks,” I say slowly, grabbing my purse to give her a tip.
She holds up her hand to stop me. “Believe me. They’ve already tipped enough. Have a good evening.”
She walks away and leaves me with the mystery, steaming bag.
My phone dings and my heart slowly crawls into my mouth.
Jake: You didn’t eat today. I won’t have you passing out on my watch.
Chapter Fourteen
Jake storms into the shelter on Tuesday evening like he’s announcing the end of the world. Shoulders rounded forward, raindrops cling to his black trench coat. His usually perfect hair hangs over his forehead—it’s almost inky black when wet.
The panic in his eyes has the blood in my legs turning to lead, and I shoot up from the kitchen chair.
It’s not Friday.
“I didn’t know you were coming this evening.”
I watch as his throat bobs, swallowing hard to contain whatever emotions are threatening to overwhelm him.
Aware of his surroundings, he forces a weary smile to everyone around.
He inhales. I take a breath with him as he leans in. “I need your help. Can you come with me?”
“Go,” Amelia urges. “I’ve got things covered here.
I don’t question him. I simply grab my coat and phone.
Struggling to match his pace, he escorts me to the front seat of his car, shielding me from the rain with his umbrella with every step.
The sun is set deep in the sky, and the grey clouds rumble with thunder in the distance.
I shudder.
“Scared of thunder?” he asks, not looking at me as he shakes off his coat and throws it in the backseat.
Swallowing hard, I try to hide the tremble in my hands. “Something like that.”
He doesn’t taunt me about how childish it is. He doesn’t take the opportunity and my spine stiffens. The air in the car is too thick, his leather seat too noisy under me. I want him to joke. I want him to insult me if that’s what it takes to lighten the mood.
I want normal.
“What’s going on, Jake?” I finally ask as he speeds past the steel gates and onto the road.
He’s gripping the steering wheel like it’ll evaporate if he lets go.
Only silence ensues.
