Page 100 of Goodbye Note

“Just hiking,” I replied, not sure what he was getting at.

“There are photos,” John said.

Arik’s head snapped up. “Huh?”

“Pictures. Of you two on top of a hill at sunrise. They are just breaking.”

My heart had freed itself from my chest and wedged in my throat, making it impossible to form sentences.

I tried to play it cool, finally finding my words. “There was no one in sight. How?” Not that we’d been paying attention. Too consumed in one another.

“You know how cameras are nowadays. They zoom like crazy. So it was you two?”

“What are the photos of?” Arik asked through his teeth, side-eyeing me.

John turned his phone around to show us a shot of Arik standing with his face pressed into my shoulder. My hand was lifted like I wanted to curl it around his back but not touching him. Of all the things it could be, this was the best case.

“That it?” I asked, trying to act like I wasn’t relieved and that it wasn’t a big deal while also still internally freaking out.

“What do you mean? What else were you two doing?” John asked, glancing between us.

“Arik was having a moment. Who gives a fuck?” I said defensively.

“Why?”

“He’s had a lot going on.” Which wasn’t a lie. I dug for something to say. “His parents aren’t really supportive, and his ex is a cunt…” I met his eyes, hoping he didn’t mind me saying all this.

“That girl is a cunt,” Lindsay agreed. “Stupid, too, for losing you.”

“Thanks,” Arik muttered, giving me a slight dip of his chin to tell me it was okay.

“I’m going to get with the team and see what they want me to say. Yours too, Arik.”

“Just don’t say anything,” I snapped. “If we give it attention, they’ll think there is more to it. Ignore it.”

John met my eyes, then nodded. “You’re probably right.”

“I’ve been doing this my whole life. They’ll fucking post it, and it will run its course then die.” I turned my attention to Arik. “That okay?”

He nodded again, staying silent. I hated it.

“Fine. I’ll make sure Kiernan is on board, then.” John walked to the back lounge, probably to make the call.

“Mind if I shower?” Arik asked.

He left quickly, and I sunk into a seat next to my brother, not at fucking all sure how to process what had just happened.

Vallen met my eyes and arched one brow. I lifted my shoulders in an answer only he would get. He laughed.

“Stop that,” Lindsay said, reminding me she was right there.

“What?” Vallen asked.

“The silent sibling conversation thing.” She sounded annoyed but amused. “I want to know what you’re saying.”

I held up a middle finger playfully. “Mind your business.”

“Whatever.” She huffed and got up, following John to the back lounge.

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