Page 116 of Catch the Sun

12:05.

I call her for the third time and no answer.

She’s probably having fun with Brynn, watching the fireworks, laughing, and enjoying herself. It’s okay. She didn’t forget about me; she’s just enjoying her night.

Blowing out a breath, I run a hand through my hair and drop my arm, tapping the phone against my thigh as I glance out my bedroom window. I see her mother in the living room across the street, the lights yellow and warm. She’s on the phone, pacing around in aimless circles, just like me. The difference is she’s smiling. She looks happy.

I tell myself it’s Ella on the phone. She wanted to call her mother first.

Waiting a few more minutes, I traipse down the hallway and pace some more. The living room, the kitchen.

12:11.

I call her again.

No answer.

I decide to dial Brynn instead, knowing they’re likely together. It rings three times before she picks up.

“Max, hey!” she chirps, her voice high-pitched and full of its usual enthusiasm. Noise and static filter through the speaker. “Haaaappy New Year!”

I start pacing again. “Is Ella with you?”

Giggles fuse with raucous cheers. Fireworks boom in the distance.

“Brynn?”

“Sorry, sorry! Fireworks are still going off. Super loud. One sec.” A fewseconds pass until the voices and external noises quiet and a patio door sounds like it slides shut. “Hey! What’s up?”

“I’m looking for Ella. She didn’t call me.”

“Oh…um, she’s…” Another long pause. “I don’t see her anywhere.”

“What do you mean? I thought you were ringing in the new year together.”

“We were. I–I didn’t even realize she wasn’t here. God, I’m sorry. I’ve been drinking, and Kai and I were catching up, and…” The line goes quiet, save for various rustling noises. “Shoot. I can’t find her. She must be in the bathroom.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, my chest prickling with anxiety. It seems silly to stress. Knowing Ella, she probably ditched the party to watch the fireworks by herself near the lake. “When’s the last time you saw her?”

“Um, I’m not sure. Maybe an hour ago? No…probably less. It hasn’t been that long.”

“Okay. Well, can you have her call me?”

“Of course! I’m sorry. I should have been paying more attention. I feel like an awful friend.”

I swallow. “It’s fine. I should have been there, too. Just…have her call me right away. I want to say good night.”

“I will. Promise.”

I hang up, scrubbing a hand across my mouth and jaw as I glance out the main window at the empty driveway. If I had the truck, I’d already be on my way.

I call McKay next, hoping he’ll have an ounce of sympathy for me and bring the truck home.

I tap his number.

Straight to voicemail.

I try one more time with the same result.

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