Page 79 of One Killer Night
She pushes her bottom lip out, and I’m about two seconds from giving in until the sound of a chainsaw buzzes through the screen.On second thought, I’m out.
I spin around and walk away while waving. I know I’m chicken. Which, if I think about it, is an ironic comparison because if you’ve ever encountered one of those furry, feathery monsters, they’re fearless and evil.
“Come back,” she yells just as popcorn hits my arm. “Loser. You just want to call Noah.”
She’s saying his name teasingly, almost singing it. My hand hangs idle on my bedroom doorknob before I swing around.
“So? Leave me alone. It’ll be a miracle if I sleep now.” I wave at the television. “Because of that garbage, it’s suddenly completely plausible for a man in a ski mask or some devil child to be hiding behind my door ... with a butcher knife.”
Evie cocks her head before she grins up at me.
“Goldie, come on. Don’t be ridiculous.” As if on cue, a faintchu-chu-chusounds off in the background. “Nobody’sbehindthat door. I mean, if anywhere, they’d be standing directly in the entry when you open it.”
“Evie!” My voice bursts from me as I yank my hand from the doorknob like it’s been burned and hustle my way back to the couch. I’m walking so fast that I’m swinging my hips like the sassy senior girlies in the park who still wear leg warmers.
The moment I jump to my safety on the sofa, I steal more of the blanket from her ... and the damn remote.
“I love you,” she teases, nudging me with her foot.
She’s laughingatme, notwithme.
“Well, I hate you. So if you want to win me back, go get me a water from the fridge.”
She stands up, chuckling, as my phone vibrates on the coffee table.
“You’re just never leaving the couch again?”
I nod, seeing it’s a message from Noah. “Pretty much.”
She walks past me before I swipe my phone up.
Damon:Hey, just got back to the hotel. Round one of interviews was amazing.
Dinner was lonely. I miss you.
“Where’s that bag of candy I brought?” Evie yells from the kitchen.
“In the pantry,” I answer as I type back to Noah.
As I glance up, she steps backward into the shadows of the kitchen and says “I’ll be right back” with a laugh.
“Evie. Not funny,” I say, trying to hide my smile before I turn my attention back to Noah.
Me:I miss you more. Especially since I’m being tortured with scary movies.
Damon:Yikes. What asshole thought up a sleepover?
You should have a talk with him.
Me:That’s what I’m saying.
Evie’s rummaging around the pantry saying something to me, but I’m only focused on my phone.
Damon:The good news is the next time I leave my baby’s coming with me.
Me:Yes, she is.
Damon:I’m serious. I won’t go if you don’t go. You’re stuck with me.
