Page 108 of Shadow and Skulls

She has that look on her face. You know the one. The stare that doesn’t see. The …Beige, I think I’ll paint the ceiling beigelook.

“That’s very nice of you, Ash.”

He blushes, looking away from me. “It’s nothing.”

Chapter Forty-Seven

Kelsie

My parents dropped me off at my house, lingering a little longer than normal. Eventually I gave into them and asked if they’d like to stay and watch a movie with me. They jumped at the chance. I love them for it. I’m not going to lie. The encounter with Matt still has me a bit shaken.

All I can say is thank god I have a stalker, otherwise I wouldn’t have saw him coming. I shudder thinking about what might have happened if I hadn’t spotted him through the window.

My dad wraps his arm around me. “This is my favorite part.” He points at the TV.

I chuckle to myself because I know for a fact he’s never seen this movie before. He’s just trying to get me out of my head, which I appreciate.

“Hey, you know how we talked about having a little memorial for your mom?”

“A memorial? I thought it was just going to be family.”

“It is.”

He says it in a way that makes me not believe him.

“What? The club is your family,” he reasons when he sees my hesitation.

“What have you done?”

He grimaces. “Well, you know how Jesse is. She caught wind and …”

I hold up my hand. “Say no more. There was nothing you could do.”

He laughs loudly.

A little snort snore comes from my mom at the other end of the couch. She fell asleep five minutes into the movie.

My dad laughs. “I’ll never get tired of that sound.”

I smile and snuggle in beside him, because how could I be mad that the club wants to support me?

And if all of the club is going to be there … that will include any prospects.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Kelsie

The minute I realize Tank’s really not here, I start crying. No worries though, because everyone thinks it’s because I lost my mother. As soon as I get a moment, I rush inside the warehouse and run toward the bathroom. I slide down the wall, hugging my knees. I’m so disappointed.

Charlotte knocks before peeking her head in. I offer her a small smile and wave her inside. She sits in front of me and curls her legs under her bottom.

I swipe at my eyes. “Sorry, I just …”

“Miss her,” she finishes for me.

I nod, because I do miss her, and I was hoping Tank would be here to … to … I don’t know. Hold me?

She scratches her nose, resting her elbow on her knee. “I’m sure my mommy and yours will be friends up in heaven.”

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