Page 85 of Soul of a Psycho

My heart all but melts and it takes everything in me not to ‘awhhh’ out loud.

“You got her asatellite phone?” Ruby dangles the device from her fingers like it has a disease, not impressed.

Surprisingly, Callie nabs it from her and clutches it to her chest.

“I love it,” she says to Bobby. “I’ve always wanted one.”

“You always wanted a satellite phone?” Ruby asks dubiously.

“Yes.” Callie hisses, shooting her a quick glare.

I do the same, mouthing for Ruby toshut up. She puts her hands up and rolls her eyes, backing up. I shuffle to the side with her, raptly watching their exchange.

“You didn’t have to do this…” Callie whispers.

Bobby shrugs, but after an awkward silence, he speaks. “I got the subscription for it. You should have an email.”

“Okay,” Callie says.

“Okay,” Bobby repeats.

I’m practically biting my nails as their hands graze when Callie scoops the box into her arms. I’m so hopeful that they are going to kiss, or at least hug. I can see the way she’s looking at his lips, the way his arms give off micro movements, like he wants to reach out. I’m on the edge of my seat, hanging by a thread, when they both suddenly separate. My shoulders sag. What the hell?

“See you after break.” Bobby turns and steps towards the town car as Callie frowns, putting the box in the trunk.

No. No. No.Ughh.What is wrong with them?

I quickly slip in next to her. “What are you doing?” I ask under my breath. “Hug him goodbye.”

She twists her hands, forehead scrunching up in uncertainty.

“Do it!” I hiss. “You know you want to, and you aren’t going to see him for two weeks.”

She stares at me, wheels turning, and I nod vigorously. She can do this. Shewantsto do this. She’s just scared.

“Hurry,” I tell her.

A shrill whimper eeks out of her as she quickly spins.

“Bobby!”

He turns, completely unsuspecting, as Callie skids on the ice and barrels into him. Her lips land right on his, and I swear his eyebrows reach his hairline. It’s a quick thing, so fast that if I had blinked, I would have missed it, and then she’s scurrying back.

“Okay, bye!” her voice is high pitched, whole face flushed.

Bobby just gulps and stumbles into the town car. I catch him once, twice, three times, fail to grab the door handle before he finally shuts it and the car crunches its way out of the parking lot.

“Oh. My. Goddddd.” Callie squawks once we’re in the clear. She’s clutching the rim of the trunk, knuckles white. “I can’t believe I just did that. I just didthat.” A panicked smile climbs up her cheeks. “Oh, god.” It turns into a grimace. “Ijust did that. I can’t believe I did that. I can’t. I can’t.”

Her chests hiccups rapidly, and I realize she’s starting to hyperventilate.

“I think I’m going to pass out,” she breathes.

Chapter Fifty-Five

Cade

I’ve been on edge since we entered my mother’s quarters. The Christmas tree with its multicolored lights, and the aroma of roast turkey, pumpkin pie, and yams, should fill me with joy, but it doesn’t. Will she eat the food? Will Rykes eye her fork, midair and give a disapproving shake of his head? I don’t think I have it in me to stop myself from jamming the fork down his throat. I’m already stretched too thin, the reserves of my patients depleted. I’m so close to the end that I can’t taste the ash on my tongue. I always thought it would taste like victory, but it’s bitter and choking, the flavor of doubt.

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