Cryptic, but I’ve got a feeling I know what Robbie was up to last night and I’d bet a future book deal on it having something to do with Trask. But either way, he’s fine, that’s what counts.
But my mind won’t let go of Kaleb and what he wanted to say last night. The worry gnaws at me as I lie in bed. I need to pull myself out of this and fast.
I sit up, rub my face. I can’t sit here spiraling, no way.
Shower. Clothes. Walk.
Clear my head.
That’s the plan!
I throw on jeans, a sweater, boots. Then I grab my backpack—notebook, water, Lightening tucked inside for company. That’ll do me. It’s time to move and get some much needed fresh airthat will hopefully put any paranoid thoughts out of my mind. And who knows, I might even shake off this hangover in the process.
Outside, the air’s crisp.Cool. It’s just what I need. I head toward the small park at the town’s edge—trees, benches, a little pond. There are paths to wander down there too, but it’s not big like the forest so there’s no opportunity to actually get lost.
As I walk, my mind races…
What if Kaleb says it’s over?
What if I have to go back?
What if?—
No.
Breathe.
Walk.
After doing my best to get all negative thoughts out of my system, I walk back into the town with a determination to get an OJ, a bagel, and hopefully get myself feeling back to something like my normal self.
The town square is quiet this mid-morning—benches still damp from overnight dew, a few pigeons strutting around the little fountain. I’ve got a fresh-squeezed orange juice in one hand, Mrs. Peplinska insisted on the extra-large cup “for the vitamin C, dear”, and a perfectly ripe banana in the other. “Potassium,” Mrs. Peplinska said.
I smile at the memory as I peel the banana and take a bite. It’s sweet and perfect. The juice is tart and cold, cutting through the last foggy edges of last night’s cider.
My head’s clearer already.
But my body still a little heavy, but the fresh air and the walk are helping.
I find my favorite bench—the one under the big maple that’s just starting to bud—and sit. Legs crossed and backpack at my feet with Lightening peeking out the top. The square feels peaceful.Safe. Like the whole town is holding its breath with me.
I pull out my phone to check the time. Habit. And maybe to see if Kaleb’s texted. Nothing yet. He said we’d talk in the morning, but it’s past ten and still quiet. My stomach does that nervous flip again.
Urgh.
I hate this.
Before I can spiral, the screen lights up with notifications—old ones, buried. I swipe them away, then freeze.
Pace.
I blocked him everywhere weeks ago. Phone, email, socials. Gone. But last night, in that drunken moment of doubt, I unblocked him. Just in case. Just to prove he wasn’t trying to reach me. To prove I was over it.
I wasn’t.
I scan over them, knowing I shouldn’t. And then I see it. There’s an email, subject line:Important Opportunity – Let’s Talk.
My thumb hovers it and my heart kicks hard.