Page 68 of Hearts Adrift
“You’re not actually—” I start.
He tugs my bright hoodie-tank and gym shorts on, then chuckles like his old self. “Still the same size. You and I, creatures of habit. Seems like our greatest peeve of being called twins is about to pay off. Phew, that hot pavement’s gonnamurdermy feet. At least I’m parked nearby.”
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I’ll text you when I’m in the clear, out of town with the whole circus on my tail. Might do a lap or two of the island before leading them up the causeway.”
“Out of town?” I ask, surprised.
“Gotta get as many of the whackos to follow me out as I can, right? Make them think you’ve fled so your family’s left alone. Hey, uh … Mr. River?” He winks at him. “Take care of the love of my life, will you? … And maybe if it … wouldn’t inconvenience you too much, can you autograph my tank before returning it? Icherishedyour performance inWingless Angelsand amdyingfor the sequel.”
River frowns. “You’re insane.”
Theo pats us both on our shoulders. “Make the most of my bold move, alright?” He tugs the hood over his head, covering hisbleached and pink tips, then rushes out of the door. The crowd outside explodes, shouting my name. And then slowly, like a crashing wave pulling back to the sea, the crowd fades away, going after Theo, farther and farther away, until all River and I know is blissful silence.
Chapter 19 - River
I guess that’s how we end up stuck behind the bar.
For twenty-two of the longest minutes of my life.
During the most stressful day I have ever known.
We’re seated on the floor behind the bar, and my eye keeps catching the glint of a bottle on the counter above us. From the weird lighting and the bottle being turned away, I don’t even know what it is.
All I know is that I’m stronger than that bottle.
“You okay?” asks Finn gently.
Our shoulders are touching. Were circumstances nicer, we might be cuddling. I could use a good cuddle. “Is your phone charged yet?”
He lifts his head up just enough to check. “About forty percent. Enough to get a ding from Theo when the coast is clear.” He sits back down next to me. “I still can’t believe he did that.”
“Seems like something impulsiveIwould’ve done.” I chuckle to myself. “I kinda admire the guy. Just a little,” I add when I see Finn’s expression. “Teensy, tiny bit.”
“So … what? Now you’re Team Theo suddenly?”
“Maybe.” I smirk. “But I ain’t autographing shit.”
“Y’know this thing isn’t over yet, right?”
“I know. They’ll probably turnWingless Angelsinto a trilogy after this.Ugh.” When I see the serious look on his face, I acknowledge the very real adrenaline that is carving a path to my chest.Yes, this is far from over, and I know it. I pull my eyesaway from the bottle and lean my head back with a lighthearted sigh to keep my head calm. “I know.”
“What’re we gonna do after I get the all-clear and we get out of here? River …” He brings his voice low. “I think you need to contact your friend.”
Lexi… “No. I won’t do it. I’m not forcing her hand.”
“River …” His phone dings. He stands up to check it. “Brooke. Again. Looks like the vans and the crowd left my house. Bet there’s people still at the bungalow, though.”
“Is there a safe path to your house from here?”
“Yep. Avoiding all the main streets.”
“Should we head out now?”
He shrugs. “Maybe give it another five or ten?”
I rise to my feet and depart the back of the bar. After a second of confusion, Finn swipes his phone off the charger and follows me. “What’s the hurry?” he asks. “We can’t go out too soon in case some rando spots us, then everything Theo just did will be for nothing.”
