I nod. “Makes sense I guess. What happened in there anyway?”
She shakes her head. “You don’t want to know. I really thought Chase had left me for dead for a moment.” She pauses, biting her lip. “You want to know the funny thing? I was okay with it. All I cared about was that he was okay and hoped they would continue to protect you. The only people I actually care about.”
“Aw. I care about you too, babe. Obviously Chase came back for you.”
“Of course I did.” His voice startles me.
He walks into the room, leaning down to press a kiss to Willow’s lips. I tense up. I only call him Chase when Willow and I are alone. In front of anyone else, I call him Rocky.
“You say that like it was a given,” Willow teases.
“I couldn’t leave my queen behind. Who would help me rule the peasants?”
“I guess that’s my cue to leave. We can hang later?” I ask Willow as I stand.
“Wait, Hailee. I’d like to talk with you.” Rocky’s voice filters to me.
I freeze, dread settling in my stomach. Rocky still scares the fuck out of me. Even if he’s sweet on my bestie, I know he would slit my throat if he needed to. He’s intimidating as fuck.
“Don’t look so frightened, Hails,” Willow says soothingly.
I sit back on the edge of the couch. “I’m not.”
She gives me a look, telling me she knows it’s bullshit, but doesn’t call me on it.
“I wanted to check in. See how you are with everything that went on.”
I take a deep breath. “I’m good. Thanks.”
He shakes his head. “Good.” He pauses, looking at Willow. She nods, encouraging him to continue. “I have a favor.”
“Anything.”
“I need you to keep an eye out at school. I don’t want you to put yourself in danger, but see if you can keep an ear out for who is dealing these drugs.”
“Why can’t Nate do it?”
“Nate is connected to me, and these drugs are meant to bring me down. They won’t let the whispers make it to his ear. You’re my best chance.”
“I’m connected to you, too. Everyone knows Willow is my best friend, and she’s with you,” I point out.
He shrugs. “I’m not asking you to get involved. Just listen.”
I nod. “I’ll do my best.”
And I meant it. While Rocky still scares me, and Nate is a mystery that I’m unsure how to handle, Willow has become family to me. The only family I have left. I would do anything she asked of me.
“That’s all I ask. Do you need a ride back?”
I shake my head. “I like walking. I’ll text you later, Willow.”
Moving to her, I lean over to give her a gentle hug. She hugs me back.
“Love you, Hails.”
“Love you back, Will.”
I glance back before I exit the room, a small smile on my face when I see Rocky cuddle up next to Willow, pressing kisses to her cheek and neck.
