Page 62 of Embers in Our Souls
“It’s nothing. I like making up weird names for him. He has nice writing is all,” Malloy recovers quickly.
River eyes us both, but doesn’t press further, thank fuck.
“So, you’re coming over for another show then?” Clay continues, not at all annoyed that Malloy will be frequenting his house to watch this new reality show.
“We’ll alternate again. Marissa plans to call in as she usually does, but she might actually fly in for the finale if that case settles in time.” Malloy looks giddy.
“Marissa is pretty great to hang out with,” I say. She carries a great conversation and I enjoyed having her added into thegroup when she was in town. I can tell she’s a lot like River when it comes to her energetic ways.
“Yeah, she’s a riot. She’s the polar opposite to Abby. That’s probably why they get along,” Clay adds.
The night carries on, and the longer we’re at the bar, the more grateful I am that Malloy got me out of the house. Tommy makes his way to our table to say hi and I’m able to talk to him for a little bit. I’ve only spoken to him a handful of times, and he’s always welcoming.
The guys and I part ways, and I get home a little after midnight. Walking into my quiet house, I’m reminded how lonely life is. I need to start getting out there and dating again. This morning opened my eyes that eventually I’ll need to find a connection to someone again, and it was an abrupt reminder that it can’t be Indiana. As much as I thought I would get that with Indy, I need to close that door, which brings an ache to my chest.
I get ready for bed, the weight of the day catching up to me. I’m drained, knowing what’s coming in the days and weeks to come. I will be looking over my shoulder, waiting for those divorce papers.
Walking over to my bed, I look at my nightstand and feel the urge to open the drawer to read the letters I shared with Malloy.
He reminded me several times earlier how stupid it was that I never mentioned their existence to Indiana. I’m a glutton for punishment, so I pull the drawer open. I expect to see them right on top, where I left them, but they aren’t there.
I start moving things aside, knowing they should be there, but still come up empty. Where the fuck did they go?
No one has been in my home. I locked up before Malloy and I left to meet with the guys.
I straighten right then and know exactly who grabbed them.
Fucking Malloy.Sly bastard.
I grab my phone and text him:
What did you do?
Malloy
Something you should have done a while ago.
You had no right to take them.
Malloy
My mom always says I’m a bad listener
There’s no point in arguing. He wouldn’t cross that line and share it with Indy without my permission, right?Right?
CHAPTER 32
Fire Hunters
CHAPTER 33
Indiana
My eyes are havinga hard time staying open and it’s reminding me of those nights when Noah first came to live with me after Bryce’s passing. We were just getting to know one another, his routine still foreign to me. It took some time to adjust, but we figured one another out. I just remember always being awake, restless, and checking on him.
Now I’m finding myself staring at the ceiling, frustrated with the unease I’m in. I thought with more answers I’d feel somewhat more relaxed, but here I am—annoyed at where I am in life.
These restless nights I’m getting up and walking to Noah’s room and watching his sweet little face as he dreams the night away. I’m reminding myself of my “why” in those moments, trying to keep focused as we go through the motions in Boston, so we can have this life that will hopefully be worth the struggles. I do everything for that little boy, because my brother can no longer see his son grow up.
