Page 105 of The Sounds of Her

“It’s complicated,” I sigh. “And until I know what the fuck is going on, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Fair enough. Don’t wait too long to figure it out. Don’t be like me.”

“This is different.” I shake my head. “It’s an arrangement.”

“Okay.”

“I don’t know what’s worse, you and your laid-back subtle prying or Jordan’s blatant bullshit.”

“That’s easy, man. Mine is always better than his.”

That is not true, at least I know what to say to Jordan to get him to shut up.

Elsa texts saying they’re back and ready to finish getting sorted for the flight. Nick gets to his feet and slaps a hand on my shoulder.

“Love is confusing.”

“Love,” I splutter. “Don’t be fucking ridiculous.”

“Like I said, confusing.”

And on that cryptic comment, he leaves.

Fuck him, he is worse than Jordan.

When it’s time to go, I meet everyone downstairs. Brooke didn’t come back up to the room, which hurt, but I push away those feelings. She text to tell me she will see me downstairs.

Jenna is hugging Brooke when the elevator opens. Everyone says their goodbyes and heads out to the waiting cars.

Then we’re alone.

“Don’t worry about me,” she says, reading my mind. “I’ll be fine.”

I force myself not to say anything about her parents or that dick, Roman.

“I’ll be back in ten days,” I tell her.

“Fully aware,” she replies. She’s not being distant, but I sense her withdrawing.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her I’ll miss her, instead I pull her into me and kiss her. I try not to let it appear desperate and don’t hold her too fucking tight.

“I’ll call and text. In fact, I’ll bug the shit out of you, so you can show those bastards I might not be around in person, but I’m fucking here.”

Her laugh is soft, and she looks down at her feet.

“You’re going to be okay getting to the airport?”

“You’ve got me a car booked, priority boarding and first class, Archer. I’ll manage.”

“Yeah.” I brush some hair behind her ear.

This isn’t goodbye. I kiss her again, a quick peck on the lips, then step back and walk away. I only look back when I get outside to the open car door.

She’s gone. She didn’t stay to watch me leave.

That band tightens around my chest again.

Is it because she doesn’t care?

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