Page 29 of Savage Beauty

“Where are you?” Sage asks.

“I just told you.”

“Why is Max going inside?”

“I’m on a balcony.”

“Is that safe?”

Are there even balconies on hotels in D.C.? I should’ve taken this call inside. “Sage, I want to hear about you. That’s why I called. How are you?”

“Why are you holding the phone so close to your face?”

“Sage. Are you taking your medicine?”

“You know I am.” She hates when I ask about her meds, but asking about her meds is a sure-fire distraction technique.

“Knox is still there. But he went running. Does that mean they think you’re safe?”

“I’m at Jimmy’s. And he’s here. I’m safe.”

“Where is Knox staying?”

“Jimmy put us up in his guest bedroom.”

“Us? Sage…Max said something about that. Are you having sex with Knox?” My sister doesn’t date. I tried to get her to have sex casually years ago because it’s fun, but she’s never shown any interest.

“I was planning on telling you but never got the chance.” She grins, and her cheeks flush. “We’re together. All of my dreams came true. I’ve never… Being with him is all I ever wanted. I know you’re going to tell me it’s all happened too fast, and it has, but I love him, Sloane. So much. I’ve never felt anything like this.”

“What birth control are you using?”

“Condoms.”

“Sage.” I pointedly stare at the phone screen. “That’s not an acceptable plan for you. The failure rate is too high. You need to see your gynecologist and ask for an IUD.”

“I will.”

Is she telling me the truth? She’s smiling. Does that mean she’s being truthful? I’m all for my little sister finally having sex. I like sex. But… “You could also ask the doctor about a hysterectomy. Or tubal ligation, I suppose.”

“Sloane.” She drawls out my name the way she does when she’s complaining about something I’ve said.

“Sage. I’m serious.”

“What if I want children?” My chest cinches.

“That is not advisable.” The screen on the phone flits from her face to the beige fringe of an oriental rug carpet. “Sage. Be smart. If you want children, you can adopt. That’s what Mom and Dad said.”

“There’s no reason for us to argue about this.” Her tone is noticeably less bright. “I’ll be careful. Knox said Max is going to stay with you during your meetings and then drive with you back here. Jimmy says to tell you he has another guest room. It’s in his basement. I think you’d like it. He has a desk with four monitors, and he said it’s all yours. He only uses it when he plays games, which isn’t as often these days.”

I don’t want to dig deeper into this lie. “Is your classroom ready?”

“It was all done by the time I got back. The other teachers and Jimmy did it for me. Next week, I’ll return to the classroom. I swear, it feels like these past few weeks have been the most surreal dream.”

She’s right. I long for my office in the lab. For my routine. Why did that man drug my water and lock me on a boat?

“What meetings do you have?”

Max didn’t tell me this part of the lie.

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