Page 77 of No Need to Run

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His gaze doesn’t waver.

I straighten, moving around the house to the shrubs.

As I move along the shadows, I glance back once more.

The house is dark, with only the soft glow of the TV through the glass. It illuminates Drew, stretched out on the couch once again, unaware I was here.

I commit the moment to memory.

Mr. Pickles is back at the patio door, watching me.

I lift my hand, giving him a small wave, before turning to leave.

I’ve only taken two steps toward the woods when I hear it.

“Ouch—dammit, Mr. Pickles!” Drew screams. “Stop jumping on my junk. That’s a sensitive area!”

I freeze, clapping a hand over my mouth to keep from laughing.

When I told Mr. Pickles to take care of Drew, that isn’t what I meant.

Still, my smile lingers as I disappear into the darkness.

Maybe Mr. Pickles wants me to massage Drew’s junk and make it all better.

I snort out a quiet laugh as I head through the woods.

That cat is my spirit animal.

17

DREW

The doorbell rings,and I immediately panic.

This is a mistake.

I just know something terrible is going to happen.

I can’t explain how I know that. I just do.

Ivy will probably say or do something crazy. Or Sebastian will run Violet off with his scowls and probing questions. Or Mr. Pickles will attack her, and she’ll run out of here, screaming.

I don’t know why I’m thinking any of that.

Breathe, Drew. It’s just dinner.

Except my chest feels tight. Like something’s off, and I can’t quite place it.

I count to five, then open the door.

Violet stands on the porch, looking completely at ease.

“Hey,” she says, her voice calm and soft.

For a moment, I can’t speak.

My eyes trail down the soft, purple sweater and pair of dark jeans she’s wearing. The color emphasizes her eyes, as does the subtle makeup she’s wearing. She’s dressed casually… but looks incredible.

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