Page 104 of Sacrifice
“No, I’m not. Not really. I just . . .” He looks on either side of him and realizes just how bad this looks. I almost feel sorry for him because he didn’t pursue these girls and nothing has happened. But Macie isn’t going to believe that.
“No, I think youreallyare. Have fun.”
She turns on her heel, her friend close behind. Will forces a swallow and watches her walk away. She sidles up to the guys at the end of the bar in the Tap Out shirts. She glances at Will over her shoulder and chats them up. One of them touches her shoulder and Will bristles.
The three girls around him are absorbed in their own conversation, a mix of slurred words and giggles. They’re oblivious to what’s going on.
“The universe hates me,” he mutters, his eyes glued to Macie. “What are the fucking odds she shows up here?”
“You asked them to sit down,” I point out. “A few minutes ago, and your mind wasn’t onher.” I tip my head towards the bar.
He scowls.
“You wanna come home with us? You can come, too.” Wendy looks me up and down and licks her lips.
“Nah,” Will says, downing what’s left of his beer. “I’m good.”
“Suit yourself,” Wendy says. “Let’s go. Our DD is here.”
The girls get up and stumble out the door. I’m not sure Will even notices.
“You just let three easy pieces of ass walk out without you. I’m shocked,” I say
He doesn’t respond. I’m not sure he even hears me.
I watch his face completely fall. Macie is looking over her shoulder at Will. She tosses him a wink and places her hand in Tap Out’s. Together, they walk out of the bar.
“Fuck her.” He leans on the table, his eyes blazing. “I seriously liked that girl and look at what she did.”
“She walked in here and saw you with three chicks.”
“Fuck you, too.”
“You fucked yourself.”
He laughs. “There’s a lot of fuckin’ going on here tonight and none of it feels good.”
“That’s true. And on that note, I’m going home.”
He doesn’t respond, his fingers flying over his phone.
“I think you just got a taste of your own medicine.” I laugh.
“I’m fucking allergic to it.”
FORTY-TWO
JULIA
It’s a beautiful day. The park is buzzing with people, the smell of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs filling the air. The trees are blooming and laughter floats through the breeze. An auctioneer is standing at a table near the picnic area, drumming up bids for items generously donated by the community for Everleigh.
“This is unbelievable,” I whisper to Crew. I don’t know most of these people. Some are patrons of the restaurant that I recognize, but most are faces I can’t place.
I asked Mrs. Ficht what I can do to assist, but she brushed me off. She told us to relax and try to enjoy the day. I love her heart, but there’s no way I can enjoy the day. Not with my daughter in a hospital bed across the city, sick as hell.
“I wonder how she is.” I look up at Crew.
His eyes reflect everything I know are in mine. He grabs my hand and squeezes it tight. “She’s sleeping. I just called Olivia. She said she’ll call if anything happens. But she’s gonna be fine and the fresh air will do you some good.”
