Page 81 of Crossed Sticks

I leaned against him as he patted my shoulder. No one spoke, and I gradually felt better. When my vision cleared, I said, “We’ve texted a little but not talked. The thing is, I…” My voice cut to a whisper, so I cleared my throat and tried to speak up. “I decided I want us to stay together, and I texted him sayingwe need to talk. He didn’t answer, so I texted again, but he still hasn’t replied.”

“Call him.” Holky leaned forward and put a hand on my knee. “For God’s sake, phones do more than text.”

“I’m ashamed, and I was trying to make sure he still wanted to work things out. I’ve sent more messages, and I even asked if he wanted to let things go between us. When he still didn’t answer, I messaged yesterday and told him if I didn’t hear back, I’d assume he wanted to move on without me.”

Gabe sighed. “And he said?”

“Still no reply.” My voice broke, and I took a moment steadying myself. “I’m worried sick. Does he want to break up, or has something happened to him? Why would he just go silent after he’s been texting me several times a day?”

“This is fucking bullshit.” Holky’s eyes bore into me. “You’re both acting like idiots, and it’s time for this to stop. Tell Criswell you have an emergency, and then leave. There are only three days left, and you won’t be the first to have something urgent come up.”

“But this is my first time here,” I protested. “I can’t leave early, and I wouldn’t know where to go if I did.”

“Back to Buffalo, and if Luca isn’t there, you hunt his ass down.”

Holky made it sound easy, but where would I begin? I didn’t have any of Luca’s friends’ numbers. Maybe I could talk to some of his teammates, but it would be hard because most professional athletes lock down their contact info. Luca’s parents lived in Chicago, but I didn’t know their names. How would I… I suddenly remembered his dad was a dean at Northwestern, so I could probably find him.

I looked up, ready to agree, when Gabe dropped his arm and scooted far enough away to look me in the eye. “Holky’s right, but I think leaving camp is premature. Criswell’s already crankyas hell, so who knows how he’d react. Try to get Luca on the phone before you do anything else.”

“And if he still doesn’t answer?”

“Then I’ll try. Luca and I know some of the same people, and I’ll get them involved, too. But before we do anything else, you should try again to get Luca.” Gabe glanced at his watch. “It’s a little after ten. Text him, and if he doesn’t answer, call. If you don’t hear from him tonight, I’ll put out the word tomorrow morning. And if that doesn’t work, declare your emergency and go find him.”

“All right. That makes sense.”

Guys were talking out in the hall, and I tried to think of how to ask Gabe and Holky to give me some privacy.

“What are you waiting for?” Holky sounded testy. “Text him now, and if he doesn’t reply, ring his phone all night long.”

“I need?—”

“Do it,” Gabe said. “We’ll wait with you.”

Cursing to myself, I dug my phone out of my pocket and started typing. After several stops, restarts, and revisions, I read it over and tapped Send.

HARPER: I don’t know why you aren’t answering me, but I need to talk to you. If you’ve decided to break up, you should tell me, but you need to hear what I have to say before you do anything. I care for you so much. Please say something.

“Done. I hope he answers.”

“Let’s give him a little while to process,” Gabe said. “I’ll stay with you guys.”

“You don’t have to. We’re starting early tomorrow, so you should get some rest.”

“Save it. We’re your friends, and?—”

A knock on the door cut Holky off. Surprised, none of us moved, and someone knocked again.

“What now?” I muttered.

Gabe, closest to the door, got up and opened it. One of the interns was waiting, and he looked past Gabe at me. “Sorry to interrupt, Harper, but someone’s up front asking for you. He says it’s an emergency, so I thought I’d check. Do you know a guy named Caleb Carson?”

My heart kicked me in the ribs. I could only think of one Caleb, but what the hell would he be doing in Rocky River?Unless something’s happened to Luca. Oh my God.I jumped up. “Short blond guy?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck.” I shot a desperate look at Gabe. “It’s Luca’s best friend. Something’s wrong.”

Holky was already on his feet. “Let’s go see what he wants.” His voice was cautious, echoing the unease in my heart.

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