Page 77 of Mile High Daddy

I need to do something.

I need to find her.

Without thinking, I grab my jacket and slip into my boots. The night air is biting when I step outside, but I barely feel it as I head down the sidewalk toward the café.

I don’t knowwhatI’m expecting, but I need someone to tell me I’m not losing my mind.

The café is quiet when I push through the door, the soft hum of the espresso machine the only sound. Maggie is behind the counter, but it’s Alex I spot first. He’s leaning against the far wall, arms crossed, watching me the second I step inside.

Like he already knows something’s wrong.

I march straight toward him. “I need your help.”

His brows furrow. “What happened?”

I lick my lips, glancing around before lowering my voice. “My mom. She’s not answering me. I think—” I swallow hard. “I think something’s happened to her.”

Alex straightens, the shift in his posture immediate. “You’re sure?”

I nod, my stomach twisting. “She always answers me. Always. And now, it’s like she’s just—vanished.”

Maggie, who had been listening from behind the counter, frowns. “Maybe she lost her phone?”

I shake my head. “No. It’s not just that. I—I don’t know how to explain it, but Ifeellike something’s wrong.”

Alex studies me, his jaw tight. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I blink at him.

He nods once, like the decision is already made. “We’ll find her.”

I exhale shakily, relief warring with the lingering dread in my chest.

The ride back to my apartment is silent.

I stare out the window, my fingers curled in my lap, my stomach tight with unease. The streets blur past in streaks of orange and red, the city lights glowing like embers in the dark.

Alex doesn’t push me to talk. He just drives, his fingers flexing over the steering wheel, his jaw tight like he’s debating saying something but ultimately doesn’t.

When we pull up outside my building, I grip the door handle, hesitating.

I don’t want to get out.

I don’t want to be alone right now.

But I don’t have a choice.

Alex finally speaks. “Try to sleep.”

I snort. “Yeah, sure.”

He watches me for a second, then exhales through his nose. “I mean it, Leah. I’ll try to start pulling some strings to see what I can find out, but in the meantime, there’s nothing you can do. And hey, maybe it’s nothing, maybe your mom will contact you soon.”

I hesitate before shaking my head. “I hope you’re right.”

He watches as I get out of the car, his gaze heavy, unreadable.

I don’t turn around as I step into the building.

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