Page 84 of Dreadful

Ryder looks at Cruz. “So, what do you think?”

I turn toward him too. Cruz is already looking at me, his expression unreadable. I wait for him to take over, to give the answer that’s his to give as a Calloway.

He doesn’t.

His gaze holds mine for one quiet second before he gives a single, slight nod. It’s not permission—it’s confirmation. This is mine.

A small, unexpected warmth spreads through my chest.

“We’ll get back to you,” I say.

Ryder stares at me, his chest rising in a slow inhale. “That’s it?”

“For now.” I dip my head.

“Are you going to bring it to the rest of the Calloways?”

“Among other things.”

Ryder sinks back in his chair. “Fine. I’ll leave it alone until I hear from you. But if you decide to dig deeper, I’ll need a little notice to pull more on this.”

“We’ll let you know.”

Ryder grabs his things and slides out of the booth.

“Good seeing you again, Bellamy.”

“You too.”

He pauses at the end of the table, lifting his chin toward Cruz. “Cruz.”

“Mercer.”

Then Ryder is gone, the bell above the door announcing his departure.

“And that’s probably my cue too,” Lola says. “I’m going to tell Nate to come pick me up.”

“Don’t.”

I dig into my pocket, pull out my keys, and toss them across the table.

Lola catches them against her chest. “What am I doing with these?”

“Taking my car. I’ll catch a ride with Cruz.”

I tap Cruz’s shoulder, and he slides out of the booth before offering me his hand.

I take it.

His fingers lace through mine as he tugs me to my feet.

“Bring it back when you swing by the garage,” I tell Lola. “We’ll sort everything out with the others. Tomorrow work for you?”

“Tomorrow works.”

I pull her into a hug.

“Okay, love you. Be safe.”