Page 46 of Archer

We opened all the doors and my trunk and stared at everything that had to go inside. My car wasn’t the biggest, but we’d jammed everything in, and Ben had helped us back at his house. This was a lot to get inside. “Maybe Archer will come down when he sees my text,” I said.

“Hopefully,” Elton mumbled as he picked up a duffle bag and put the strap over his shoulder, then picked up an opened box stuffed with yoga stuff.

I was pulling a suitcase that I’d loaded with clothes out of the backseat when I noticed someone familiar striding toward the car. His face tickled at my memory, and I hauled the suitcase out the rest of the way while trying to peer at the guy nonchalantly as he passed by. Elton followed my gaze, and he squinted.

At the same time, I realized who it was, Elton turned to me, wide-eyed. “Is that—”

“Jordy!” I yelled, cutting him off.

The young man hesitated but then kept walking, picking up the pace a little.

“He must’ve thought he heard wrong,” Elton said in a rush.

“Jordy, wait up!” I yelled again.

Elton echoed with a, “Jordy!” of his own.

The guy, who I was absolutely convinced now was Jordy, glanced at us over his shoulder, then sped up even more. “What the heck?”

“Jordy, wait! We need to talk to you!”

He started running.

I abandoned the suitcase and started after him. “Come on, Elton. We’ve gotta catch him.”

Elton must’ve dropped the stuff he was carrying, too, because he was immediately by my side, running to catch up with probably-Jordy. We both continued calling his name as he went around the corner of the building.

“Let’s get him,” Elton said, and we picked up our speed and went after him.

Chapter 18

Archer

I’d hoped to surprise Crispin and take him to lunch, but unfortunately, I’d had an outdoor photo shoot that ran long. I sent him a text letting him know I wasn’t going to make it back, and he’d assured me that it was fine. He’d already planned on asking Elton to go with him this afternoon to get some of his things, like we’d discussed this morning.

A couple hours later, I got a message from Crispin letting me know they’d pulled into the parking garage. I was sure they could handle it, but I wanted to see him, so I decided to take a break and go down and greet them.

I locked up my studio and hurried to the parking garage. I was rushing so I wouldn’t miss them, but I came to a screechinghalt when I saw Crispin’s car. He’d parked in the second spot allocated to my apartment, which was about the only thing he’d done correctly. The car doors were wide open, the trunk was up, and his belongings were strewn everywhere.

I pulled out my phone and sent Hitch a text.

Me:Hey, something is up with the boys. I was meeting them in the garage, but they’re gone, and Crispin’s stuff is everywhere.

I stood there looking at the mess that was all over everywhere. Maybe they decided to go up and unlock the door first? But then why would they leave the door wide open? This looked like they were unloading everything and just took off.

Hitch:By “the boys” I assume Elton is with him?

Me:He was anyway. All I know for sure is Crispin’s car is here and so is all his stuff, but the boys are nowhere to be seen.

I paused, hearing footsteps clattering nearby. I looked up to see Crispin and Elton coming around the corner.

Me:Never mind. They’re here.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hug him or turn him over my lap and spank him. I shoved my phone in my pocket and turned to lean against the car, waiting for them to reach me. It didn’t take long, but it was enough time for me to take a couple of deep breaths.

“He disappeared into thin air!” Crispin came to a stop in front of me and threw his hands up, exasperated.

“Like a ghost!” Elton added. “Are we sure he’s not a ghost?”

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