Page 54 of Mended Hearts

“The house isn’t haunted, Lyns.”

“It might as well be with everything going on.”

I jump to my feet and put my hand on the screen door, keeping it closed. “What’s going on?”

“It’s not my business to tell.”

“Lynsie, please. I need to know she’s okay,” I beg.

“Fine. For the record, I hate being the middleman.” She walks the length of the porch a couple times before stopping right in front of me. “It’s Brian.”

“What about him?”

She huffs. “He seems to be having some anger issues.”

Heat rises within me, and I see red. I grab the door handle and pull. It doesn’t open. I glance down and see Lynsie’s foot propped up against it.

“What are you going to do, huh? Go in there and cause a scene being all mad. The last thing she needs is another angry man.”

My body relaxes, submitting to her words. Going in and hulking out was never my intention, but that’s exactly what it’d look like.

“Sit back down, Romeo. I got this.” Lynsie pats my shoulder before walking inside, and I sit back down for what feels like an eternity.

THE SCREEN DOOR creaks open, and I jump to my feet, turning to face Lynsie. I glance inside, hoping Echo isn’tfollowing behind. I’m not ready for her to leave. I’m not sure I’ll ever be.

“Is she okay?”

She stares out toward the street, contemplating her response.

“Yeah, yeah. Of course,” Lynsie says, shaking her head before making complete eye contact with me. She smiles, trying to reassure me, but her eyes are filled with worry.

I cock a brow, calling her out on her bullshit.

“I just wish there were more I could do.” Lynsie begins pacing back and forth. “I wish I were closer so I could be there for her and help like she was for me when Lincoln died.” She sobs, and I pull her in for a hug.

“Is there anything I can do for her?” I ask, wishing I were the remedy.

“No.” She sniffles, pulling away. “Just be whatever she needs without expectations. Like your brother was for me.”

I watch as Lynsie leaves before making my way in to the end of the hall. I knock on the closed door before slowly pushing it open. She’s lying back against her old broken bed, looking up at the ceiling, and my heart cracks a bit.

“Are you up for some company?”

“Only if you’re the company,” she replies, keeping her gaze above.

I walk over and sit down next to her. I stretch my legs out before me, crossing them at the ankles as I lean back with her.

“I took it,” I say, twiddling my thumbs.

“I knew it.” She smiles and relief washes over me. “You were the only logical explanation.” Echo turns her head sideways, facing me, and so many feelings hit me all at once.

“But why? Why’d you take it?”

“It made me feel close to you. I put it up everywhere I went. Instead of feeling like I was worlds away, it made me feel like I was lying right here next to you.” I wipe away at the runawaytear, not wanting to put my emotions on display. Echo reaches over and catches the rest that spill over, wiping them away with the pad of her thumb. She then grabs my hand and weaves our fingers together. We sit in silence, holding hands, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day.

“Did you know that Brian was injured?”

“Yes.” I pause. “I was there when it happened.”

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