Page 173 of When The Night Falls

‘Would you like me to come over? I don’t want you to be alone right now.’

I inhaled deeply, trying to calm down, but my chest kept trembling. ‘I love you for that, but I’d actually like to see Will,’ I said, my voice wobbling.

‘Then go to him!’

‘I can’t.’

‘Why not?’

‘Because I’m currently crying over another guy! I hardly think he’ll want to see that.’

‘I really don’t think he’s going to care. I’m sure he’ll just be grateful for the chance to comfort you.’

I huffed. ‘He’s probably still at work anyway.’

‘Cara, call him. Please.’

I stopped walking and looked sightlessly around, hesitating.

‘Do it, or I’ll do it for you,’ Olivia said strictly.

‘All right, all right.’ I shook my head. ‘I’ll call him.’

She sighed with relief. ‘Good. Ring me back if he’s busy and I’ll come over instead.’

‘Okay. I love you,’ I said, high-pitched.

‘I love you too.’

I hung up and searched for William’s name in my contacts. I had never called him before, so it felt a bit strange. Nevertheless, I dialled his number and raised the phone to my ear.

He answered after a single ring. ‘Hello?’ He sounded puzzled. It must be a strange experience for him too, I thought.

I swallowed a lump in my throat and hoped my vocal cords wouldn’t fail me. ‘Hi.’ My voice cracked.

He was quiet for a beat. ‘Cara? Is everything all right?’

‘N-no.’ I sniffed.

‘What’s going on?’ His tone was loaded with worry.

‘I-I went to Aaron’s after work and . . .’

He waited.

My face twisted. ‘Basically, we’re not friends for the time being.’

Silence.

‘Will?’

‘Sorry, I just . . . Is there anything I can do?’

I bit my lower lip, trying to find the courage to ask. ‘Are you busy after work?’

‘No. Would you like me to come over?’

‘If it’s not too much to ask.’

---