Page 81 of Shadow and Skulls

They both start laughing. “I love the shit out of that kid,” Cole chuckles.

“Do you miss it?” Carson asks. “You know, school, cheerleading?”

“Nope.” I pop the p for effect.

Carson drapes his arm behind the seat, grabbing my knee. “I’m sorry we didn’t see it.”

“What?”

“That you hated it so much.”

The trees fly by as glimpses of the lake peek between them. “I didn’t hate it when you guys were there. You taught me how to be young and carefree. It was refreshing. It gave me time to heal. You were safe and fun.”

Carson squeezes my knee before turning around in his seat, swiping at his eyes.

They help me carry my bags into the warehouse when we get there. Jesse is waiting for us. She hugs the three of us.

“I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. You know the club is going to take care of her and Ray.”

I’ll admit it’s nice being here at the warehouse. I’m surrounded by family. It helps keep my nerves at bay as I process everything. My grandmother’s condition, the trip to Iowa, Tank … always Tank.

Charlotte plops down next to me in the grass, setting her plate beside mine. She remains quiet as she munches on her chips, but out of the corner of my eye, I see her glance at me from time to time.

“Did it work?” she finally asks.

I turn my eyes her way. Her dark curls are hanging over her face. I brush one behind her ear. “Did what work?”

She places her little finger over the dragonfly around my neck.

“I don’t know what to wish for. I have everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Her head tips to the side as she studies me. “You don’t have a book.”

I laugh. “I guess real life has been more interesting than the ones in my books.”

She rubs her finger under her nose. “Daddy said it looked like you could use a friend today.”

This makes me smile. “He’s right. I do.”

“Daddy says you are visiting your real mommy tomorrow.”

I glance over my shoulder. Petey’s dark eyes linger over us. I turn my focus back to her. “I haven’t seen her in a very long time. I’m nervous.”

“I wish I could visit my mommy, but she lives up there.” She points to the clouds. “She has wings, you know.”

My chest squeezes painfully for her, even though Charlotte doesn’t look sad.

“Daddy says your mommy is sick,” she continues.

I glance away, focusing on the lake. “She is. I don’t think she’ll be here long. I think that’s why my parents have been wanting me to go see her.”

“So you can say goodbye?”

Charlotte is too smart.

“I guess.” I shrug.

We sit quietly, both of us deep in thought as we stare at the clouds. Suddenly, she turns to me.

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