I squeeze his hand. “Thank you.”
“Save everything,” Nick tells me. “It’s all evidence.”
“It’s harassment and emotional manipulation,” Zane adds. “I can call the chief of police. He’s friends with my dad.”
Nick shakes his head. “We go the proper routes so it can’t be twisted. But I should’ve handled him a week ago.”
“How?” Zane asks. “Beat the shit out of him? That’s exactly what he wants.Hockey Player Attacks Local Hero, Craig Downing.”
“Local hero?” I ask.
“That’s how he’s positioned himself with the media,” Zane explains. “He’s good at this.”
Autumn nods. “Many believe he’s the hometown boy who lost his girl to the rich playboy outsider. Half the town feels sorry for him.”
My phone rings, and I glance down and see it’s my mom. I immediately answer.
“Julie, honey, are you safe? I just talked with Blaire.”
“I’m at Autumn’s.”
“Sierra told me Craig came back to the shop this morning, asking when you’d be back. They didn’t tell him anything, but he seemed to know already.” She pauses. “Sweetie, be careful. He’s not himself lately.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s been telling people Nick is using you, that he’ll leave you broken when he goes back to New York. That he’s just trying to protect you from a monster.”
“Nick isn’t a monster. Craig’s lying. He has no idea wha?—”
“I know, honey. Nick is a fine young man.” She sighs. “But please keep me updated, okay? I’m worried about you.”
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I end the call and place my face in my hands.
Nick places his arm around. “It’s going to be okay.”
“You promise?” I ask, meeting his eyes.
“Yes.” He gives me a small smile, and with everything I am, I want to believe him.
21
JULIE
Autumn stands, breaking the awkwardness. “Right now, we need to figure out the next step. What do you want to do, Jules?”
“Truthfully? I want to go home. I want to sleep in my own bed. I want to wear my cute sweaters that are in my closet and enjoy October. This is my favorite time of year,” I explain. “I don’t want to be forced to hide.”
“Then we’ll make sure you get home,” Autumn says. “Don’t let this ruin your favorite time of year. And if things get too bad, come back here. We have plenty of room and food. We’ll have a slumber party.”
“Yes, absolutely,” Zane says. “Are you ready to go home now?”
I look at Nick, then at Zane. “Yes.”
“Okay, I’ll drive the two of you,” Zane offers. “My truck is less recognizable.”
