Page 108 of Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars
After sending the message, I don’t let myself drop the phone. I tap on Mrs. Patel’s contact info and hitcall.
“Alice?” Mrs. Patel is quick to answer. “Sweetness, it’s so good to hear from you. You’ve been in my thoughts. How are you?”
“I’m…” I stumble on the word and force myself to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’m okay.”
“Are you settling in all right?” Her voice is warm with maternal concern. “It’s so strange not seeing you next door.”
“Has the realtor had many showings at the house?”
“A few. I’m sure it’ll sell soon. It’ll give you closure.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I know it’s hard. You don’t want to lose your home.”
“I’ve already lost it.” I sigh, shivering at the same time. “As soon as they made me come to this place, I lost my home.”
“Do you want me to send your boxes to your new home?”
“No,” I’m quick to respond. “I don’t feel comfortable here yet. Is it okay for you to store them a little longer?”
“Of course, Alice. As long as you need.”
My body relaxes. “Thank you.”
“I hope you’re looking after yourself. Make sure you call any time you need anything.”
“I will,” I lie. “Talk soon.”
“Goodbye, sweetness.”
I end the call and flop backward on the bed.
My phone buzzes in my hand and I lift it to see a message from Jill.“I’ve missed you, but I don’t know how to help you.”
I lower the phone and sigh.
Exactly, Jill.
The low hum of electric guitar followed by the thwack of drums rumbles through the hallways. I stare at the ceiling’s cracked paint, breathing shallowly as I listen for Ryder’s voice to make it into my bedroom.
Twenty
Aheavy,authoritativeknockat my door jolts me awake. I sit up from lying diagonally across my bed, my phone slipping out of my palm.
I wipe my crusty eyes, wondering how long I slept. It wasn’t intentional, more like blacking out.
I lift my phone and read, 7:35 p.m.
Another knock thunders against my door.
“Alice?”
My heart leaps inside my throat.
It’s Miranda.
“Alice, I need to see younow.”
