Page 185 of Toxic

Eventually, I drifted into a deep sleep without even realizing it.

***

The persistent sound of a ringing phone slowly made its way into my consciousness. It was weird because I had set my phone to block incoming calls for now! Some kind of miracle, or what?

Peep, peep, peep…

One ring, two rings, three—finally, it jolted me out of my nap. I grabbed the phone and pressed the green button to answer.

"What’s up?" I grumbled without even checking who was calling.

I was surprised when I recognized Winter’s voice.

"Skye, there’s a pretty unusual situation here. It’d be good if you could come over. I could call Soren, but I just feel like it’d be better if you get here."

"What are you talking about?" I mumbled, still half-asleep.

"We’re in the park, on the hill next to that steep cliff… and Liam is here."

I blinked in disbelief, wondering if I’d misheard.

"Who?"

"Liam. Yeah, that Liam—Soren’s ex."

"The hell! What’s he doing on that cliff?"

"I think he’s planning to jump. That’s what it looks like. Honestly, it’s a miracle we even spotted him because the top of the cliff is pretty overgrown. Finn noticed him. He’d been staring at that cliff the whole walk, and then he said we had to go up there. I didn’t want to because it’s a steep climb, but he insisted."

"Damn! Did you call anyone? Like the police or rescue services?"

"No, because Liam shouted at us that if we did, he’d jump right away. Honestly, we’re stuck. I don’t know what to do. It might be a good idea to bring Soren here, but you said he’s pregnant and in a delicate situation, so maybe it’s better if you come instead. He had enough emotions for today."

"Me? The fuck! The worst idea ever! I’m the reason he’s out there, Winter! I took Soren from him!"

There was a brief silence on the other end. Then Winter said slowly, "I really do think it should be you who comes here. If you’re the reason, you can also be the solution."

"You’re literally crazy. The most stupid idea—it’s like putting salt on an open wound!"

"It may also remove the infection."

"You’re out of your mind."

"I want you here."

"No. Sorry. I’m not getting involved. That’s too fucked up!"

Winter lowered his voice. "You owe me one, Skye. Remember?"

Wow, did he say that? I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How shitty. Was he going to force me to deal with my boyfriend's suicidal ex? It sounded like a recipe for disaster.

"Are you serious, Winter?"

"I’m dead serious. Get your ass here as quickly as you can. You owe me, now own it."

I cursed under my breath and shot to my feet, still dizzy from sleep.

Horrible decision on Winter’s part. I was the worst possible choice for this situation. Liam could get seriously infuriated, but… Winter had a point—it was better than involving Soren. It would be irresponsible to further endanger his pregnancy. I rammed into him mid-air today, for fuck's sake!

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