Page 42 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
“If his watch was on the scene, there is always a chance he sawsomething.” Margaux locks her arm in mine, sounding so sure of herself that I almost buy it. Almost. “If he puts you in any danger, I’ll kill him first.”
“It’s not like you can actuallydoanything. What, you’re going to join us on a date?”
“No…” She hesitates. “But there’s no reason I can’t linger nearby while you’re out and about. He won’t even notice.”
“He knows who you are now. Hell, he probably knew before. You’re a professor’s daughter!”
“I can be stealthy!”
There have been so many times in our life that she disproved that—including our current situation—but I don’t argue. My mind is stuck on the unanswered texts onmy phone. How do I answer them now that days have gone by?
Later that evening,I find myself alone. Margaux goes out with the new person—a werewolf this time. They’re quite a pair; I always thought they would be natural enemies.
The dormitory is silent without Margaux’s quiet tunes and snarky words, leaving me with my thoughts—and my texts.
I curl up in bed, staring at the words on the screen until my eyes hurt.
Eventually, I pluck up the courage to text him.
Is it too late to let you know I’m okay?
I yelp, locking my phone screen and closing my eyes.
It’s not enough. He’s been waiting days to hear from me, and this is all I can come up with. I don’t expect a response at all, especially not one that comes so quickly. My phone buzzes a moment later, and I nearly drop it on my face.
Caldwell
It’s never too late. I’m always pleased to know you’re safe.
I wait for him to say more, but it doesn’t come. This text is dryer than the last. I should be relieved. It’s a sign I’ve managedto push him away.
That may be what I want, but it isn’t what Ineed. I bite my lip, contemplating my next move.
Should I apologize for taking so long? No, I can already hear Margaux in my ear:talk about desperate!
I should reply like I didn’t take three days to text back. For whatever reason, he seems interested in me. I need to work with that instead of doubting myself.
The cliché advice ofbeing yourselfmay work this once.
I text him again.
Did you get home safe?
For someone constantly telling me not to wander off alone, I find you alone far too often.
Again, he’s quick to respond.
What is it they say?
Do as I say, not as I do. That advice applies here.
All that to say, I am safe. Thank you for asking.
I stare at the typing bubble on my screen, waiting for him to press send. After a few moments, another text comes through.
I didn’t mean to bother you into texting me back.
I snort at that.
