Page 194 of Dare To Live

The vague sense of discomfort lingers. Maybe I’m just imagining things? It’s been a long week. I feel frayed and worn, with one foot in the past and another in the here and now. Ghosts are around every corner, and it’s hard to let go of old worries and fears. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m not that Arabella anymore, but it’s hard when echoes of her remain everywhere I look.

Miles puts down his fork and pushes his plate away. “What do you want to do the rest of the day? We have plenty of time before we have to get ready.”

“We could go for a walk, if you like.”

He laughs. “Want to burn off the chocolate cake calories before you see Eli tonight?”

I stand and zip up my hoodie, ignoring his sly words. “Do you want to see if Ivan wants to join us?”

Miles shakes his head as he joins me. “He’s still busy.”

Where is Eli?

I miss his presence. It’s our last day here. I thought he might want to spend some time with me. To talk before we run out of time.

I dig out my phone and type a message.

Me: Miles and I are going for a walk. Do you want to join us?

I keep my cell in my hand while we walk out of the cafeteria.

“Where do you want to go?” He turns his head to look across the campus. “The cemetery?”

“No. How about the chapel?”

He shudders at the mention of the place. “I haven’t been back there since … since Kellan. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to step through that door again.”

My heart squeezes in my chest at his words. “I get it. It’s too much.”

“Let’s just wander and see where we end up.”

The phone in my hand pings.

Eli: I’m busy.

Busy doing what?

I’m half tempted to ask him, but I don’t.

Me: Okay, guess I’ll see you at the prom tonight. I’m looking forward to it.

Chapter 112

Eli

My cell buzzes in my pocket. “Fuck. Ivan, can you grab that for me?”

A hand reaches into the pocket of my jacket. “It’s passworded.”

I huff. “Fine. You take over.” I release my grip on the man I have pinned to the wall of the crypt and snatch my cell out of Ivan’s hand.

Ari: Miles and I are going for a walk. Do you want to join us?

I glance over at where Ivan has Kevin Lewis by the throat and is leaning close, whispering into his ear. From the expression on the other man’s face, Miles’ fiancé is not being affectionate.

Me: I’m busy.

I don’t have time to send more than that. I shove my cell back into my pocket and walk back over.

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