I push the thought away.One Walker at a time.
"You blue-eyed girls look best in golds, bronzes, and warm browns."I lay out my makeup collection, selecting shades that will enhance her natural beauty."These colors will make your eyes sparkle."
As I demonstrate each technique—blush, eyeliner, mascara—I watch her confidence grow in the mirror.When she tries it herself, her hands steady with each successful stroke.The warm brown eyeshadow makes her eyes pop, the soft blush highlighting her fantastic bone structure.God, this girl is gorgeous.
"Can I ask you another question?"She sets down the mascara, meeting my eyes in the mirror.Back to biting those lips.
"Of course.Ask me anything."
"When we were shopping earlier..."She hesitates."I noticed you kept checking your surroundings.You looked...afraid."
My hands freeze mid-motion.She noticed.I debate what to tell her, remembering how Cole's secrecy hurt me.The choice becomes clear.
"A few months ago," I start, measuring my words, "a man attacked me.I ended up in the hospital."
Her eyes widen as I give her the condensed version.When I finish, she wraps her arms around me, the embrace fierce and protective.Surprisingly, sharing the story feels like releasing a breath I've been holding.
"Oh my god, Alisha.You're so brave."She pulls back, eyes shining."I don't think I could go outside knowing someone who hurt me might be watching."
I swallow hard, shrugging."Some days are harder than others.But hiding in my apartment isn't the answer.My parents taught me to be strong, to never give up.If I do, he wins."
"Where are your parents?"Curiosity colors her voice.
I grab my phone, pulling up a recent text with an attached photo.Samantha's eyes light up at the image of my parents on their cruise ship.
"Your mom is stunning too—you look just like her."
I chuckle at her enthusiasm.
"Don't you miss them?"
"Of course, but they deserve this vacation.They both worked so hard."I smile, remembering their excitement."Mom turns fifty this year.This was Dad's gift to her.They've been traveling for six months, home in two more."
Her brow furrows as she processes this."So they were away when you got attacked?How did they react to you being in the hospital?"
When I don't answer, realization dawns in her eyes."They don't know?"
"No."The word comes out softer than intended."I never told them."
"But...why?"
Guilt I've been suppressing rises to the surface."It might sound strange, but if I'd told them, they would have taken the first flight back.The thought of ruining their dream trip just to worry about me..."I shake my head."I had Bella, Emma, and Amanda.They helped me through it."
"You're amazing."She studies me in the mirror."I hope Dad apologizes for yelling at you."
"You heard that?"Heat creeps up my neck.
"He's got a loud voice when he's upset."She starts braiding her hair, movements precise and thoughtful."His body's like this giant, solid rock foundation—intimidating on the outside, but his heart..."She meets my eyes in the reflection."It's pure.I think he's struggling with something big.The tension between him and Grandma at the door was thick.I bet it has something to do with Grandpa."
I stare at this perceptive young woman, amazed by her insight."You're one smart lady, Samantha."I try for a smile."But honestly?I don't know what's going on with your dad."
Glancing at the clock, I touch her shoulder."Time to head home so you can rest.I'll talk to him, see how he's doing."My heart jumps at the thought of facing Cole again.
She nods, understanding in her eyes."Good idea."
As we leave the bathroom, I can't shake the feeling that whatever's haunting Cole Walker is bigger than any of us imagined.
The moment the elevator stops at their floor, my pulse kicks into overdrive.Every step toward their door feels weighted with possibility.Please be okay.Please let me help you.
