Page 123 of The Muse
Jesus.
“I think my son is alive.” A new round of tears well in her eyes. “But”—she shakes her head—“I don’t know.”
I stand, resting my hand on her shoulder for a few seconds, before heading into the house.
“Flynn?”
I stop.
“You have to tell me what’s behind your closed door.”
I slowly shake my head because it’s not a competition, and even if it were, she would win. It feels like an insult toeven pretend I’ve experienced the level of emotional pain she’s feeling.
“Just … a sick fucker who liked to touch me and make me touch him. I was with him and his wife for three months. But nobody died.”
“Flynn …”
I don’t face her. I just bow my head and murmur, “I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sorry that you’ll carry it with you forever. I’m sorry there is nothing I can do to inspire you.”
“Flynn,” she says again. “It’s not a contest. And some things feel as traumatic as death. I’m so sorry that happened to you. And if you want to talk, I’malwayshere for you. Okay?”
After a beat, I nod.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Flynn
June: I’m sorry
I stareat her text while eating a sandwich in the kitchen. Rupert and Callie are at a funeral today. It’s just me and Loki.
Flynn: For what?
June: For waiting so long to tell u about my life before MN
What are we doing? She’s there. I’m here. She had her secrets. I still have mine. We are so far apart in every way, whateverthisis that we’re doing seems pointless. What do I say?
Yeah, you should feel sorry. I would never keep anything from you.
Flynn: I lied about my job
June: ?
I took Rupert’s Chevelle for a joyride and got caught. He gave me the choice to work for him or he’dcall the police. Also I was in juvie for 18 months and prison for 3 years total
Even I cringe at all that information. So I delete the last part and stick with:
Flynn: I took Rupert’s Chevelle for a joyride and got caught. He gave me the choice to work for him or he’d call the police
I wait.
And wait.
No dots.
No emojis.
Wow. That’s it? Thank god I didn’t give her everything. Or maybe I should have. If that minor indiscretion has her speechless, what would the wordprisondo to her?
