Page 117 of Breaking the Rules
"No." She lets out a heavy exhale. "Maybe."
"Em—"
"Forget it. I'll call an Uber."
"No. Stay there. I'll be there soon."
"If you're mad—"
"Stay there." I hang up the call before she can argue.
In the living room, Alice is sipping a glass of red wine.
She has this easy smile, like she really believes everything will always be okay. "Everything okay?"
No. I slide my cell into my pocket. "I gotta go."
"Oh." Her fingers curl into my forearm. "I guess you're—"
"Have a good night."
She yells some goodbye as I run out the door.
* * *
I park on the street.Pull out my cell to text Emma.
Hunter: I'm here.
Emma: I'm coming.
Hunter: I can come in.
Emma: This will be faster. Just stay there.
What the hell has her so scared?
I hate it.
I want to do whatever it takes to fix it.
The song switches to the next. I pick up my cell. Switch the album to one of those pop-punk bands Emma likes. I need to offer her some kind of comfort.
This is a nice neighborhood. But so was mine.
My heart thuds against my chest.
My stomach twists.
My limbs get heavy.
Finally, she steps onto the deck.
She wraps her arms around her chest as she descends the stairs.
I open the door for her.
She slides inside and clicks her seatbelt. "Thanks."
