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Starlee

That night, overlooking the tiny town of Lee Vines, we agree on how to handle the situation How to handle one another

And ether with thread

Friday passes Then Saturday The Christht sun casting glaring reflections—the nighttilow There’s a noticeable loss in everything I do, an ache I know I’m not the only one that feels it

“Have you heard anything froiving The twins have been gone for five days and although randet the sense she doesn’t knohat Sierra said to me, how she blamed their removal on me and then forbid me to see Dexter and Jake I don’t want to be the one to tell her What if she agrees? I can’t handle another person I care for being disappointed in me

“No, I’ her a cup of coffee I’ve gotten up early and o to the Wayward Sun I know Sierra doesn’t want me there The boys? It’s better for all of us if I keep my distance around here

“Well, I hope everything is okay with the them around I know Sierra and the other boys must, too”

“I hope they’re okay, too” My worry about theain hasn’t decreased since they’d been gone George historically has had a combative relationship with his dad Charlie less so, his issuesso well at Sierra’s It seems like a risk to pull them away now

“What are your plans for today?” she asks

“I need to read a book for Lit”

“Helping Jake?”

“Uh, no, we’re not in the same class”

“Oh right, well, I’ down to the holiday market with Tom in about an hour You’re welco the desk down in the office”

“Thank you, but I think I need to get on my homework You two have fun”

While round or fallen apart, randmother is se her happiness, it’s pretty adorable

We finish up breakfast and I stay in my pajamas while Leelee prepares for the drive to June Lake I hover a little, watching as she searches for her keys and double checks that she’s got her wallet Every second that passes, I becoly desperate for her to leave Every second I pretend like everything is okay, the rabs her coat and gloves and walks out the door, I lean against the wall, breathe a sigh of relief, and let the dam break

Now I can cry in peace

I’han, on the couch, and a hundred pages into Heood on her pro cell phones, my first, and I jump like a startled cat when it vibrates on the coffee table

The lodge office number appears on the screen

“Hello?”