Page 78 of Finding Jess

“You were just doing that because she was here,” Jess said finally, her voice soft but edged.

Sam opened her mouth, ready with a quick denial, but the words stuck in her throat. She looked away, her gaze fixed on the row of liquor bottles behind the bar. “You looked like you needed an out,” she muttered.

Jess’ expression softened, but there was a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. “Right,” she said, her voice losing its edge. She looked down at the space between them, flexing her fingers like she was trying to release the tension. “Well, thanks. It worked.”

Sam’s heart twisted at the way she said it, the flatness of her tone. “I—”

“I think I’m ready to leave,” Jess interrupted, crossing her arms over her chest.

Sam nodded, swallowing against the tightness in her throat. “Yeah. Me too.”

***

Sam yawned as they walked through the lobby.

Jess slowed, stopping halfway to the elevator. “Actually,” she said, turning halfway, “I’m gonna see if the shop is still open and grab a couple water bottles.”

Sam stopped, ready to follow her.

“It’s okay,” Jess said with a small smile. “You don’t need to come with me.”

“You sure?” Sam asked, glancing around the empty lobby.

“Yeah,” Jess said with a wave of her hand. “I’m fine.”

“Okay,” Sam said with a nod, scanning the area once more. “I’ll see you in the morning, then?”

Jess nodded. “Yeah. I’ll see you guys before we all head out.”

“Alright,” Sam said, turning for the elevators.

She took the elevator up, yawning again as the exhaustion clouded her vision. When the elevator dinged, coming to a stopat her floor, she trudged out, making her way to the door of their room.

She knocked lightly, trying not to make too much noise.A few moments passed with no response.

“Tiana,” she called through the door, knocking again.

A minute went by, but again, no answer. She let out a sigh, rubbing a tired hand over her eyes.In hindsight, giving an incredibly heavy sleeper the only key probably hadn’t been the best idea.

She pulled her phone out, clicking the call button on Tiana’s contact.

It rang a handful of times before going to voicemail.

She sighed as the faint ding of the elevator rang out down the hall.Light footsteps padded toward her as she knocked again.

“Can’t get in?” Jess’ soft voice asked from a few feet away.

She turned, seeing her approach with two water bottles tucked under her arm.

“No,” she answered with a frown.

Jess stopped beside her, adjusting the bottles in her hands. “What’re you gonna do?”

Sam tucked the phone back into her pocket, then shrugged. “Guess I’ll head back down and see if someone at the front desk can get me another key.”

She yawned again, her eyes blurring with teary exhaustion.

Jess opened her mouth, then paused, as if apprehensive.

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