Page 55 of Roses and Skulls

Just then, a knock sounds on the wood trim of the door. I jump back, finding Raffe standing in the doorway. “Hey, I think you need a little time to… to think about things, so we’re going to head back down the mountain and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

Elijah nods, reaching out to shake Raffe’s hand. “I appreciate that, man. I’ll take good care of her.”

Raffe remains near the doorway after their exchange. His eyes remaining on me, he nods. “Tomorrow.”

I give him a little nod back, wringing my hands together.

“I love you, Billie Rose.” And then he turns to walk away.

My heart feels like it’s being ripped out of my chest. “Wait,” I rush after him, catching him at the front door.

He pauses with his hand on the handle.

“Is… is dad outside?”

“He is.” His gaze bounces between me and Elijah.

My fingers nervously curl around the bottom of my t-shirt. “Um, could you show Elijah where all the kitchen stuff is. I’m hungry and we all know I can’t cook.”

His shoulders drop. “Yeah, I think I can handle that. I’ll get Dan to help.”

I squeak when I hear that Dan is here too.

He chuckles quietly. “Did you really think we would let your dad come up here alone with Elijah?”

A small smile breaks out over my face. “No.” I look back at Elijah who is leaning casually against the door frame. “I’ll be right back.”

He grabs the back of my neck and pulls me towards him. “You can do this,” he whispers in my ear, then he lets me go.

Raffe watches us and I’m not sure what he thinks of the way Elijah touches me. He’s rough yet gentle. Whatever he thinks, he doesn’t say anything.

I take a deep breath before opening the door. When I open it, I’m greeted to a wall of muscle. I reach out and place my hand on Dan’s arm. He turns and stares down at me, a puff of air leaves his mouth when he sees me. “Billie Rose.”

“Hey, I was wondering if you could help Raffe in the kitchen. I’m a little hungry.” My gaze falls on my dad who is pacing back and forth in front of his truck.

“Sure thing, baby girl.” He ruffles my hair and walks around me, heading inside.

It’s then my dad notices me. He stops dead in his tracks. His chest heaving as if he just ran a marathon.

We stare at each for a long moment. Neither of us knowing quite where to begin. “Do you want to sit for a minute?” I ask.

He nods and throws out his arm, pointing to the bench Lily made for us. It’s made of an old pickup tailgate. It’s the coolest thing ever.

When I sit down, the night air makes me shiver. Dad promptly takes off his jacket, wrapping it around my shoulders. “I’m fine,” I protest but he ignores me. It smells like him, like leather and smoke. It brings back memories of me curling up with it and napping when I was little. At one time, I could curl my whole body inside, like a little pill bug. Anyway, it makes me feel safe.

He takes the seat beside me, staring out at the darkening forest.

“Who taught you to drive?” he asks, breaking the silence.

I let out a long sigh. “Grandpa. He used to let me sit on his lap. But I don’t know if that makes me a qualified driver.”

My dad shakes his head, chuckling to himself. “I should’ve known.”

“Was it you?” I ask, bringing my foot up to the bench and resting my chin on my knee.

He glances at me. “Was what me?” His head hangs low as he stares at his hands dangling between his legs.

“The chimes.”

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