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HIs eyes go to Bella and me. "I'd like to have this conversation with Miss McQueen alone, please? He comments with respectful.
We nod and I turn to Alisha. "We're going to grab a drink and come back later." I place a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Oh, please, Em. Don't give me apity look. You know I hate it. I'm not dead or dying. So stop worrying too much."
"Too bad for you, Alisha. I'll stop when you're recovered. So until then, you must get used to Bella and me watching out and taking care of you."
She rolls her eyes, but grabs my hand and squeezes it. The thankfulness in her gaze tells me everything I need to know.
We enjoya cup of coffee in the hospital's cafeteria, when my phone rings. I smile when I read the name on the display.
"Mister Hotness misses you," Bella teases.
I stick my tongue out at her while pushing the answering button. "Hey, handsome. Are you and Charlotte having fun?"
"Emma, there's been a misunderstanding at school.”
Right away, my breath hitches. "What do you mean?"
Nick swallows audibly before continuing. "I ran late, and when I arrived at school, they told me someone else picked her up."
"Who picked her up?"
"Thomas did. And he hasn't brought her home yet. I'm at your house, but they aren't here."
A freezing storm whirls through my heart. "Oh, God… No!"
Bella sits up straight and tears cloud my vision as my mind is going a thousand miles an hour. Then a flaming hot sensation rises, and I yell, "What the hell is he thinking? I'm on my way."
I end the call and Bella touches my wrist when I lower my phone. "What's wrong?"
"Thomas picked up Charlotte from school, and he hasn't brought her home."
Bella's face turns pale and her pupils dilate.
"Call that fucking bastard," she utters. “What the hell is wrong with men? Have they gone bat crazy in one night?” Bella takes a deep breath in and out to calm herself. "I'm staying here with Alisha, so go!"
I grab my bag and rise. Bella walks around the table and hugs me. "Keep me updated, Em."
"I will, but please don't bother Alisha with this. She needs to focus on recovering."
As soon as my feet step outside, I run to my car. Once inside, I grab my phone and scroll through the name list and press the dial button. Thank god, I added him to my phone. How does he know where Charlotte goes to school? I try to reach Thomas as I drive home, but every goddamn time, he lets his phone go to voicemail. After calling three times, I leave a message.
"Thomas, I know you have Charlotte. Please bring her home. Call me when you hear this."
In a haze, I park my car and run towards the backdoor. Maybe she's back. I rush inside and let my eyes drift through the house. "Charlotte!"
My attention drifts to Nick, who jumped off the chair when I entered. His hair is a mess, and there are wrinkles on his forehead.
"Emma. It's my fault. If I…”
My feet carry me to him. And like yesterday, I wrap my arms around his waist. "It's not your fault," I say, while inhaling his scent and squeezing him tight. He hugs me back, and a little later, I hold my hands on his waist as I pull back to gaze up.
"I understand you blame yourself. But this isn't your fault." I stroke his cheek. "This is Thomas and the school's fault. Thomas had no right taking her with him, and the school let her go, without double-checking."
"Did you get hold of him?" he asks.
I shake my head. "He's not picking up. Why would he take her and not bring her home? Why would Charlotte go with him? She knew you would come. God, I don't understand it."
