Page 152 of Where We Stay

Maybe I’m trying a little hard.

But if Dean Ashford is taking me on a proper date, I reserve the right to look hot.

“Stunning, babe,” G declares from my bed. She glances toward the dresser when my phone vibrates again. “Also, that thing hasn’t stopped buzzing. Probably Big Daddy telling you all the filthy things he wants to do later.”

“Shut up.” I laugh and reach for my phone, smiling automatically because I’m expecting Dean.

It isn’t him.

UNKNOWN NUMBER

There are only two words on the screen.

I’m back.

My lungs stop working.

The phone slips from my hand and lands on the carpet as five years disappear in the space of two fucking words.

I’m not standing in my bedroom in Hartwell anymore. I’m back in New York, checking over my shoulder and changing my route home. Sleeping with a chair wedged beneath the door handle. Learning exactly how quietly a person can live when they’re terrified of being found.

My phone lights up on the carpet.

I don’t want to look.

I do anyway.

UNKNOWN NUMBER: Morgan suits you. Didn’t think you could actually get away, did you?

“Blair?” G is off the bed now, staring at me. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” I snatch up the phone and turn it face-down against the dresser. “It’s just a message from one of the parents at school.”

Her brows pinch together. “A parent made you look like that?”

“She’s upset about something that happened in class.” The lie comes far too easily. “It sounds worse than it is. I’ll deal with it tomorrow.”

G continues studying me, clearly unconvinced. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” I force a smile and reach for my makeup brush. “I’m not letting an angry parent ruin my date. I’ll touch up my makeup, and by the time Dean gets here, I’ll be fine.”

“You know you can tell me if something’s wrong, right?” she asks softly.

“I know.” Guilt twists through my stomach. “But I promise, I’m okay.”

Her eyes narrow, but after another few seconds, she grabs her things. “Fine. I’ll call you later, and you’d better answer.”

“I will.”

“And if Big Daddy doesn’t have you home at a reasonable hour, I expect details.”

That earns a real laugh from me. “Goodbye, G.”

The second the front door closes behind her, I lock it.

Then I check it again.

My hands are shaking now that I don’t have to hide them. Fuck. I haven’t done this in months.