Page 169 of In the Air Tonight

“You’re not allowed to call me that and neither is she.” I give my sister a playful glare that earns me a smile. She knows how much I despise that old nickname. The typical sibling exchange, the first in years, fills my heart with yearning for so much more.I had no idea how much I truly missed her, June and Arlo until right now.

Speaking of my brother, he comes in through the double doors, glances quickly toward the defense side of the room and then shocks me when he tells my mother and sister to make room for him behind me.

What is happening?

“Hi, Blaise.”

“Hi, Arlo.”

“I’m sorry you were hurt in the accident. Are you doing okay?”

“I’m fine.”

He reaches out a hand to Jack. “Arlo Merrick.”

Jack shakes his hand. “Jack Olsen.”

“Are you the artist?” Arlo asks.

“I am.”

“My kids love your crocodile books.”

“Oh, thanks. That’s nice to hear.”

Only because I’m turned around to see my family do I note when Ryder comes into the room. He’s wearing a dark suit and looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks. His gaze briefly lands on me before he looks away.

Ramona comes in with her husband next, followed by Cam, Sienna and Mrs. Elliott.

Sienna looks at me for a long moment, her expression unreadable, until she finally looks away.

It’s the first time I’ve seen her since we graduated from high school, after keeping our distance from each other during our senior year. So many people asked me why we didn’t hang out anymore. I dodged the question every time it was asked.

She looks older and a bit heavier than she did in high school, but she’s had four kids since then. She still has curly brown hair and bangs like she had back then.

“Was that the ex-best friend?” Jack asks softly.

“Yeah.”

“Can I be your new best friend?”

I turn to him, smiling. “You already are.”

“Yes!” He gives a little fist pump that only I can see.

I’m so, so thankful for him, that I get to go home with him after this is over and to spend every day with him going forward. I can’t imagine anything better than that.

After this hearing, we’re going to New York for a few days to pack up my belongings, so Kim can move in as of January. She’s so excited to be taking over my job and my apartment, and I’m glad to be closing the book on that chapter of my life and starting a brand new one, filled with love, adventure and passion.

I just have to get through this hearing and the trial to get to the good stuff.

Chapter 33

Caroline

NOW

I hadn’t planned to come. What good would it do, I asked myself, to hear the details of what he’s accused of doing to that poor girl? But with the kids in school and preschool this morning, I found myself showering and dressing for court. I don’t want Ryder or anyone else to know I’m there, so I wait outside until I’m certain everyone else has arrived.

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