Page 63 of Always Us

I keep my eyes on Garret. “Oh. We hadn’t heard that.”

Why is William calling Garret’s grandmother? Are they friends? And why does Eleanor answer William’s calls, but not Garret’s?

“I didn’t know you knew Eleanor that well,” I say to William.

Garret’s giving me a strange look, trying to figure out what’s going on.

“The Sinclairs have been friends with the Kensingtons for many years,” William says.

“I know. I just didn’t know you still talked to her.”

“I haven’t for quite some time. But when something like this happens, it’s customary to reach out and offer any assistance.”

I try to gather my thoughts because this whole conversation is throwing me off. “So what did she say about Holton?”

“Just what I told you. As far as I know, he’s still in a coma, but he’s improving a little more each day.”

“That’s good.” I hope I don’t sound as nervous as I feel right now. “I should let you go. I know you’re busy.”

“Yes, well, I just wanted to check in on you and Garret. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Bye, William.” I end the call and set my phone down.

“What was that about?” Garret asks.

“William said your grandfather is getting better.” I’m in a daze as I say it, my mind slowly realizing what this means.

“How does William know?”

“He talked to your grandmother this morning.”

Garret grips my arm. “What exactly did he say? Is my grandfather out of the coma?”

“No, but his condition is improving. I don’t know what that means.” I rub my forehead. “I feel sick. What if he recovers?”

“He won’t. He’s in a coma. A lot of people die in comas.” He whips his phone out and makes a call. “Voicemail,” he says to me, then says in the phone, “Dad, call me when you get this.”

I stand up, picking my backpack off the bench. “I have to go. I have class.”

Garret stands in front of me, his hands on my arms. “You okay?”

“I would be if I hadn’t heard that news.”

He hugs me. “Just forget about that. He’s not getting better, Jade. There was probably just a slight improvement in his blood work and the doctors are making a bigger deal out of it than it is to make my grandmother feel better.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Jade, stop worrying about it. Go to class, and when you get home we’ll turn on the Christmas lights and watch a movie. We’ll get a pizza for dinner so we don’t have to cook.”

I know he’s trying to make me feel better but it’s not working. But I smile and pretend that it is. “Okay. That sounds fun. I’ll see you at home.”

I walk to class, my eyes darting around to see if anyone’s following me. I know Holton’s still in a coma, but I feel like he can still see me. Like he’s watching me. Plotting to kill me.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

16

GARRET

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