Page 150 of Sins or Secrets
“It’s okay. I’ve only waited my whole life to hear you call me that.Call me whatever you want. I’m just glad you’re in my life.”
“It’s the same for me… Mom.” Calling her that now feels right.
She cups my face and gives me a proud smile.
“Come on sweet girl, let’s cheer you up.”
We go into the kitchen, and she makes the most delicious fruit cocktails.I’m cheered up by the time I have one and we talk for a little while.
When she leaves, though, my worries come rushing back for different reasons this time.Logan still isn’t home.
His phone is also still going straight to his voicemail.
It’s been months since I’ve been by myself in this house.And since it seemed we didn’t have to worry about Riley, the need to have someone watching the place diminished.So, I’m by myself here with this worry of where Logan might be and that he thinks I don’t love him when I do.
I sit in the chair in the bedroom by the opened window, looking and listening out for him.Hoping this could be one of those nights where maybe he’s just late.
Resting my head against the back of the chair, I keep watch.
I can’t remember closing my eyes, but when I open them it’s not because Logan is home.It’s because I smell burning.Like smoke.
The realization of the piquant acrid smell is what forces my eyes open, so I know the bright orange blaze ahead of me isn't the risingsun.
It’sfire.
The dance studio is on fire!
Chapter 49
Quinn
“Nine one one, what’s your emergency?” the operator says.
“There’s a fire in my home,” I cry, barely able to believe what I’m seeing.
Fire flicks into the sky. Bright, bright orange flames mixed with dashes of red as the wood burns and crumbles.
I’m by the boathouse, which is roughly fifty yards away from the studio, but it’s so hot my skin burns.
“Is anyone hurt?”
“No, I’m here by myself."
"What area of the house is on fire?"
"It’s my dance studio.” My dance studio.It always felt like mine right from when I started planning.Now I watch a dream I rebuilt burn to the ground.
“Okay, give me your address.”
I quickly rattle off the address and press the phone to my ear as the crackle of burning wood sends another wave of grief through me.
“Please stay away from the fire and do not attempt to save anything.We’re on our way.”
“Thank you,” I manage.
When she hangs up, I look on the screen for the time and see it’s nearly four a.m.
I try Logan again and the same damn thing happens that happened all day yesterday.Voicemail.
