Page 16 of A Sanctuary from Shadow
“Nothing abnormal happened while we were there,” I snapped. “Just some static electricity. So, what do you want from me? I’m sorry I touched the damn tree.”
Briar exhaled, tempering to my mood. “I only want you to be careful.” He rubbed the tension from my arm, his touch apology enough. “I know it’s mostly irrational, but I was raised to fear places like that. I panicked. Forgive me for worrying about you.”
“That’s—I mean—you were worried about me?”
“I’ve always liked you, Amy. I’ve always tried to look out for you.”
When?
Briar squeezed my arm again. “Just watch your back for me. Okay?”
I should’ve asked what I’d be watching for but simply promised him I would.
Five
“Lookwhoitis,Neel! The prodigal niece has returned!”
I tried not to sneer at Aunt Aylie, bungling into the foyer of my family brownstone, maneuvering two suitcases past the mahogany, glass-inlaid door. A duffel bag hung from my neck, the bulkiest necklace ever devised.
Aunt Aylie stood on our creaky staircase, one hand on the banister, the other holding a basket of laundry against her wide hip. Her stern, angular face stared down at me, her toffee hair cascading over her seersucker button up.
Uncle Neel emerged from an archway on my right, a glass of iced tea in hand. He wore a plain gray polo on his barrel-chested frame, pleated slacks hugging his lean legs. His short brown hair parted to the right, he leveled me with a displeasured scowl.
I towered over both my aunt and uncle, yet they still managed to make me feel small.
“Hello, Amy.” Uncle Neel clinked his spoon against his glass. “I see you remembered the way home.”
It took effort not to roll my eyes. “Thank Briar for that,” I said just as my road trip partner pushed into the house with two banker’s boxes leaden with books. “He drove me.” In fact, Briar had rented a small trailer, so we could cart our lives home after finals.
Briar dropped the boxes on the hardwood floor with a thump. The heat outside had flushed his neck, spring having finally prevailed. I was also spritzing in my new denim capris and Old Navy boatneck.
Shoving the sleeves of his black tee up his forearms, Briar teased, “Who knew books could make you work up such a sweat?”
I laughed, freeing myself of the duffel bag.
Uncle Neel cleared his throat. “Thanks for driving Amy home, Briar.”
“Weeks later than requested,” Aunt Aylie reminded us, her mouth shoelace thin as she clomped down the stairs in her Crocs. She must’ve been working in the garden earlier; dirt smudged the apple of her slanted cheek. I hoped she hadn’t pruned the roses already—my favorite spring garden chore to tackle.
Appropriately wretched, Briar bowed to her. “I’m sorry for that,beyn an ciorcal.Fate worked against us.”
Aunt Aylie’s blue gaze narrowed at me. “I suspect it had less to do with fate and more with someone’s disordered priorities.”
I gritted my teeth on a scream. I expected her criticism—but not in front of Briar.
A warm hand brushed my back, dispelling my umbrage.
When I didn’t spew an impertinent diatribe as she’d expected, Aunt Aylie flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Well, go see your father. He’s in the garden.” She swept past my uncle, her voice carrying as she ordered, “Neel, put down the tea and help Briar bring in the rest of Amy’s things. I’m sure his parents are eager to see him too.”
Muttering under his breath, Uncle Neel returned to the dining room to set down his drink.
“Thanks for the ride,” I whispered to Briar. “Sorry about them.”
“It’s fine. Believe me, I know what they’re like.”
I smiled at him—my confidant. For once, a boy wasn’t there just to impress Uncle Neel. Briar was there forme.
“All right.” Uncle Neel stormed back into the foyer. “Let’s take care of this quickly. I’ve a sermon to finish.”
