Page 102 of In The Dark
“Okay.” I smile and stand, heading for the door. “Hey, Hunter?”
“Yeah, angel?”
“I like my pancakes with a lot of syrup. Just… because you want to know everything about me.”
His grin is slow, magnificent. “Coming right up, baby.”
“Oh my god, Max.”Skyler wipes a tear away from her cheek and looks me up and down. “I’m so sorry that happened to you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there right away to help and?—”
“There’s nothing you could’ve done.” I take her hand in mine. “And you’re here now. That’s what matters.”
“I can’t believe heroofiedyou. What was his plan? To keep you locked away for the rest of your life?”
“He wanted to kill Hunter, and, in turn, kill me. I don’t know if he would’ve gone through with it, and I’ll never find out. Hunter…” I swallow. “Connor is no longer going to be an issue.”
“He was using a fake name because of his arrest records? The fucking asshole. I swear to god men are pieces of shit. Someone needs to design an app for women that creates a database of men and their personal history. Have they been in jail? Are they divorced? Are they still married even though they claim they are separated? Men hurt us just because weexist, and it’s not fucking fair.”
“I wish I had a way to tell the women from his past he got what he deserved.” I bring my knees to my chest and sigh. “They can go to sleep tonight knowing their demons are gone.”
“And yours too.” Skyler sniffs and fights back tears. “You’re so strong, Max.”
“I didn’t feel strong in that moment. I felt so weak, even when I tried to fight back. I knew what he was capable of. I knew what was coming, and I just… I accepted it, you know? Through disassociation. But Hunter found me and I… now I’m here.”
“Ladies. I hate to interrupt, but the food is almost ready,” Leo says, gesturing to the kitchen. “If you’d like to join us. Or, if you’d prefer a man-free space, I can deliver your plates here.”
Skyler assesses Leo. “Who are you?”
“Leo Reynolds, at your service,” he answers.
“Do we like him?” she whispers, leaning in, and I giggle.
“Yes. We do. He’s safe to be around. We’ll eat with you all, Leo,” I say, tugging Sky to her feet. “This is Skyler, by the way.”
“Pleasure to meet you. There’s OJ on the table and the world’s biggest bottle of syrup for Max, an apparent sugar lover.” Leo points to the placemats and glasses. “Coffee too, if anyone needs it.”
“Yes please.” Skyler takes a mug and I settle in a chair. “Do you need help, Hunter?”
“Nope. We’re almost ready. You two relax.” There’s an apron tied around his waist, and he flips a pancake with an easy flick of his wrist. His phone lights up on the counter and when his eyes bounce over to it, he groans. “Shit.”
“What?” My spine straightens. “Is it the police?”
“No. It’s Janey.”
“Who is Janey?” I ask.
“Our best friend and haunted house supervisor. She pretends like we aren’t friends during Fright Nights season, but we all know Hunter and I are her favorites,” Leo says with a grin. “I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s so badass, and she’s constantly putting Hunter in his place.”
“Is she?” I laugh. “I have a feeling I’m going to love her.”
“You gonna answer it, Hunt?”
“If I don’t, she’s going to keep calling.” He groans and taps the screen, putting the call on speakerphone. “Hey, J. What’s up?”
“What’s up? What’sup? What’s up is both youandLeo cut out of work early last night, and now I hear you’re not going to be there tonight? It’s October 29th, Hunter. One of the biggest nights of the year. We’re down two actors, and I just found out I have a whole fucking hockey team from DC booked for VIP tours that are going to slow our line down multiple times this evening. I need you there.”
“I’m sorry. I really am, but I need another night at home.” Hunter runs his hand through his hair. “You know I care about Fright Nights, but I care about this situation more. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important to me. Please, J. This is…” He flips another pancake, and I watch his shoulders curl in. “This is up there with Mom.”
The silence on the other end of the line is broken by a heavy sigh, and Janey must know about his past.
