Page 5 of Burning Daylight
He claims the area calms him.
I think it’s his getaway spot for whenever our dad pisses him off.
There’s a large boulder perched on the cliff’s edge, its surface the size of a small SUV. We’d always carefully climb on top of it, lying with our feet toward the sky until the blood rushed to our heads and we thought we’d either faint or fall.
It was exhilarating…and dangerous.
I can’t remember the last time Lance had that carefree look in his eyes; the way he did back then.
Nostalgia hits even harder when I stop in front of the rock, and I place my hands on my hips and glance around.
Rosebrook Falls itself sits in a valley, and this is the best lookout. Everything is visible, from VU in the east to the train tracks that skirt along the edges of the HillPoint in the west, closest to the cliff.
It’s quiet. Peaceful. Serene.
And Lance is definitely not here.
I soak in the gorgeous orangey reds and pinks of the sunset sky and my phone vibrates again, pulling me out of my reverie. Sighing, I grab it from my back pocket and open the group chat with my brothers.
The Calloway Kings (and Queen)
Alex:
It’s actually impressive how pissed Mom looks.
Me:
That’s just called resting bitch face.
Alex:
Well, it’s EXTRA today. She’s staring at the front door like she can summon Lance from the underworld. It’s fucking eerie.
Paxton:
She’ll live. Jules, any luck?
And cue the guilt. It’s not likeIlost Lance, but not being able to find him makes me feel responsible.
Me:
Nope. Lance if you’re reading this just know you’re dead to me.
Alex:
Samesies.
I snort.
Alex:
Did you check the theater? He’s been banging the lead in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
My nose scrunches up in distaste.
Me:
Ew, isn’t Heidi the lead?
