Page 55 of Take Me to the Valley

Holding my breath, I wait to see what Cody says next.

I want him to be happy for us. To smile and pull me into a hug and officially welcome Evan to the family, even though he’s basically been family this whole time.

He does none of that.

Cody stares between us, his face red and just short of steam flying from his ears. He doesn’t say a word as he turns around and walks out, slamming the door behind him.

“That is not how I planned that to go,” Evan says.

“You and me both,” I say, staring at the door.

Chapter 28

Calista

As I stare at the door my brother slammed behind him, my mind is blank. While I should be worried that he’s upset and feel bad that he found out this way, all I feel is relief that he now knows.

“In a few days, he will calm down. Tomorrow, after he’s had the night to stew over it, I’ll go talk to him. You know Cody holds on to his anger the longer we wait to go talk to him,” Evan says.

Evan’s words hardly penetrate. But I’m pulled from my fog when my phone goes off.

“I think I should go talk to Kaylee. I told her I’d come over tonight after Cody left. She still hates being alone in that house and has been scrubbing every inch of it.” I tell Evan, not making eye contact.

“Okay, will you pack a bag and come stay with us tonight?” Evan asks.

“If Kaylee doesn’t need me, then you won’t be able to keep me away.” I turn to him, giving him a passionate-don’t forget-me kiss.

Even though I want nothing more than to fall asleep in his arms and be there to help Skye to bed, I have a lot on my mind that I need to sort through as well.

“I’m afraid to go see what Skye has gotten into. Let’s go see,” Evan says.

Walking into the bathroom, we find she turned on the little radio I keep in there and has no less than ten lip glosses and lipsticks out.

“I was trying different combinations, but I think this one is my favorite,” she says.

She’s wearing bright pink lipstick, and over it is a little lip gloss I wear only for costumes.

“I think you look like a princess,” Evan says.

I nod, trying not to smile.

“But we have to get going,” Evan says.

“You're coming? Right, Calista?” Skye asks, turning to me.

“Tonight, I have to go see a friend of mine. I promised before I knew you would be here. Though if she doesn’t need me, I will come your way. Otherwise, I promise to be there at the school to do your hair in the morning. No matter what,” I wink at her.

That seems to be all she needs because she takes his hand and pulls him toward the door.

“Okay, Daddy, let’s go!”

“Be safe and let me know when you get there and what your plans are, so I’m not up all night worrying about you, okay?” Evan says, giving me one last kiss for the road.

Watching them go, I head to my room and pack a bag because I have every intention of being at their house tonight. I don’t want to come back to my place if I don’t have to.

Once I get my stuff loaded in the car, I go toward Kaylee’s.

As I pass the road that leads to Cody’s place, I make a quick decision. Instead of going to Kaylee’s, I’m going to Cody’s. Right now, when I’m angry is the perfect time to confront Cody.

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