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“Bye, Belle,” the two boys in the living room echoed back.
“Why don’t we head out back? Want a beer?”
Beer? Right. He was thirty-three years old. He could buy beer now. “Yeah, sure.”
Bently grabbed two cold beers from the fridge and popped the tabs before handing one to Finn and leading him out through a rear door. Bently pulled out a chair at the patio set before motioning to Finn to do the same. Finn took in the surroundings and claimed the spot next to his friend. A volleyball net was set up in the green grass. A single young tree stood in the corner of the yard, surrounded by stones with colorful wind chimes hanging from its branches. Music tinkled from the chimes every time the wind blew, like little bells melding together to form a melody.
“That’s cool.” He motioned to the tree of music and took a sip of the cool beer.
The corner of Bently’s eyes crinkled as his face grew somber. “It’s TJ’s tree.”
Finn nodded. He had no idea who TJ was, but the pain in Bently’s eyes said enough; he was greatly missed.
“So, a wife? I never thought you’d settle down. Last I remember you had two dates to the dance lined up.”
Bently chuckled. “Yeah. Well, I met Belle and finally had to stop running away from my problems. She made me want more and believe it was possible.”
“Sounds like quite the woman.”
“You have no idea.” Bently took a drink.
“Charli was telling me a little about how we got together.”
Bently tipped his head to the side. “That’s another good woman right there.”
Finn nodded. “I don’t really know much about her yet.”
Bently leaned forward, resting his elbows on the wooden circular table. “Charli has been through her share of hell. But she’s always stuck by your side. I know you got a lot of shit going on in that brain of yours, but she needs you just as much as you need her.”
What did Bently know about Charli’s life that he didn’t? If he was her husband, why wouldn’t she share it with him? Why did she hold back earlier? Jealousy simmered in his gut, mixed with frustration at this whole situation. Pain lanced through his forehead, a dull throb pounding in his skull. He just wanted to escape this pressure that built within him. Expectations from strangers and friends he barely recognized. Living with a woman who he was legally married to and carrying a child he never remembered making. Finn was spinning into an abyss, everything rushing by him in a dark cyclone. Overstimulated and unraveling, he was being pulled in different directions.
He just needed a fucking minute to breathe.
6
Charli
Charli checked her phone for the hundredth time. Still no answer from Finn. She opened Bently’s last text message and read it again.
Bently: Nope. He left two hours ago. Thought he was headed home.
That message had been sent six hours prior; it was now ten at night. She paced the living room, anxiety churning in her gut. Was it too much too fast? Did he get lost? No, he’d know how to get home to his parents. And she’d already checked with them. Claire or Zeke would call her if Finn showed up. So, where was he?
Her phone beeped in her hand. Charli jumped. She’d set it as loud as it could go so she wouldn’t miss his call. Tapping the screen, her stomach sunk. Not Finn.
Zeke: If he doesn’t show by 11, we’ll send out the search party.
Charli: Okay. Thank you.
She tucked the phone into her pocket and bit her nail. What if he’d gotten into an accident? Or he was in trouble? She couldn’t wait anymore. Charli slipped on a pair of sneakers and a jacket before she grabbed the keys by the door. He’d taken the car, so that only left her one option: his bike.
Her hand trembled on the doorknob. She didn’t go out at night alone anymore. Not since—not since she’d been attacked. But what if he’s hurt? She sucked in a ragged breath and twisted. Cold night air sent a shiver through her as she walked to the garage and slipped inside. She flicked on the light, illuminating his workspace. Scanning the area for an intruder, she grabbed a pink helmet covered in dust and slipped it on her head. Driving on a motorcycle at night was risky, but she didn’t have a choice. She’d go slow and be careful.
Charli pulled the tarp off his bike and opened the garage bay. Swinging her leg over the center took a little more effort. She started the engine and it purred to life. Going through the safety check, she wanted to make sure she remembered everything Finn had taught her. He was the one who usually drove. Nerves twisted up her spine. She took a deep breath and shifted into gear.
The motorcycle jerked forward and stalled. The second try was successful. Slowly, she eased the bike down the driveway, cautiously gaining speed as she turned down the street. The crisp fall night air whipped against her face the farther down the road she got. She’d check his old haunts first.
She turned to the left, heading towards the beach. The roads were empty on these back streets, and most porch lights had been extinguished. Two high beams popped up behind her, the headlights reflecting into her eyes from the mirror. She winced and adjusted her head. Charli sped up, but so did the vehicle on her six.
