Luke strode toward the door. “Can I wait in your car?”
Grae’s brow furrowed. “Sure. It’s unlocked.”
Luke was out the door without another word or even a backward glance at me. “Is he okay?”
Pain lanced me. “Teenager.”
But I wasn’t so sure that was it anymore. Something was off with Luke, and for the life of me, I couldn’t get him to tell me what it was.
Lately, it felt like I was failing more than I was succeeding with him, and it killed me. But I’d fight with everything I had to make sure my kids were safe, healthy, and whole. I’d battle to the death to ensure I never failed them again.
2
HALLIE
I spreadmy hand over the comforter, smoothing it. It was a little shabby-looking, fraying at the corners and faded from the sunshine that streamed through the window. If my brother knew where I was staying, he would not be pleased. He’d demand that I change to a nicer, more expensive place.
But I didn’t want that. Emerson and his husband, Adrian, had done more than enough for me over the past five years—more than anyone should have to. And they weren’t exactly rolling in it.
They were both teachers in Chicago. They’d met in grad school and had fallen head over heels for each other. My parents had already been displeased about Em’s career choice, but when he told them he was marrying a man, they’d cut him off completely.
As if I’d summoned evil by simply thinking about it, my phone dinged.
Mother
I called Emerson’s apartment. He said you weren’t there. Where are you, Halston?
I worried my bottom lip as I gripped my arm, my fingers tapping out a beat.
Me
I have a job interview.
Not a lie. I did have an interview. It was just hours away from where she thought I was.
Mother
What kind of job? I thought we agreed that the art world was your future. You know I have connections in several important galleries. That’s where you should be putting your focus.
I stared down at the phone, my vision going a little blurry. My fingertips tingled, a telltale sign I was headed for a panic attack.
No. Not today.
I focused on the space around me.Five things you can see.
“Nightstand. Lamp. Pillow. Book. Water bottle.”
I took a deep breath, and the tingling abated a smidge.Four things you can hear.
I listened carefully, picking up the faint strains of more than a few things. “Traffic. A door. The TV. A faucet dripping.”
Three things you can feel.
“Slippers. Sweater.” I let my hand drop to the bed. “Comforter.”
Two things you can smell.
“Musty.” I strained to smell anything beyond the old motel room. “Pine.”
