“Let’s put it behind us,” I suggest, adding, “Sorry to interrupt, guys.”
“It’s okay,” Dani says. “You’re welcome to stay, if you like. We’re having a little counselling sesh here for abuse survivors.”
“I… no, thanks. I was going to leave, actually. I wanted to ask Misty if she was interested in holding the fort down in the library for me for the rest of the day. I’m late opening, but I don’t think I can face anyone. That’s not fair to everyone, so I thought I’d ask before calling Audrey.”
“Sure,” Misty says brightly. “I can see from here if anyone comes in, but we’ll be done soon.”
I’ve been showing her the ropes and she’s been super-eager.
“I’d say if you have any problems, call me, but I’m without a phone at the moment. Audrey’s-”
“I have Audrey’s number,” Misty assures. “Go do what you need to do. This’ll be good practice for me. Thanks for asking.”
I wave my hand, “No, thankyou. Take care everyone. Sorry to interrupt.”
“See you at your folks’ place this afternoon?” Erica asks.
I nod, blowing out a breath. “See you then.”
***
As I’m leaving, my brother is pulling into the parking lot.
“Bailey!” he calls from his car.
I turn my car off and he gets out and approaches.
“Where are you goin’?”
“Why, what’s up?”
“Why don’t you tell me?” he asks.
“I’m not in the right headspace for whatever this is, Greyson.”
“Neither of you showed yesterday and now he’s gone. He didn’t show up for our morning run and Dad said he didn’t come back to the house last night. He’s not at his place and hasn’t been there in a couple days by the scent of the place. His phone is going right to voicemail and our council connection is fuzzy. What’s up?”
“Ididshow up to yesterday’s meeting, but I was late, which isn’t entirely my fault. He kidnapped me, we had an argument, and he left.”
“Left where?”
“No idea. Haven’t seen him since he left me in my car in the woods over an hour away after kidnapping me. Did you hear what I said, Grey? He kidnapped me.”
“Can hardly blame him,” he mutters. “Maybe you two should be locked up like Rye and his mate to figure your shit out.”
I say nothing. I should be seething. But instead, I’m numb.
“You’re not okay, Bailey. We’re all worried about you. I’ve been trying to stay out of this since it’s you and my best friend, but it can’t go on like this. What can I do to help?”
“I can’t think of a single thing you can do to help, Greyson. But thank you for the offer.”
“Come here.” He crooks his finger. His eyes are gentle.
I take my seatbelt off and he’s opening my door, helping me out.
He puts his big, strong arms around me and hugs me.
I don’t want to cry anymore. But I also don’t want to pull away, because this hug feels really good.