Page 88 of Playing for Keeps
I pause outside Eden and smooth down the pale blue dress I picked out. It’s casual enough for a lunchtime get-together, but still nice enough that I feel good in it. I might have taken a littlelonger than usual getting ready, knowing Wyatt’s going to be here. Taking a steadying breath, I push open the door and step inside.
I spot everyone right away. Everyone except Wyatt. Lifting my hand in a wave, I head over to join them at the bar. After a round of hellos, I order a soda from Alex, and we all make our way over to one of the booths.
“Happy belated birthday, Ivy,” Seb says, raising his beer.
The rest of the table follows suit, and I smile.
“Thanks, guys.” I take a sip of my drink, then lean closer to Taylor, who’s sitting beside me. “Where’s Wyatt?” I ask, aiming for casual.
Taylor gives me a small smile. “Seb said he had to stay in Phoenix.” My stomach sinks. “He’s not well,” she adds. “Didn’t want to make the drive back while feeling like crap.”
“What’s wrong with him?” I ask, my voice edged with concern.
She shrugs. “I’m not sure. Seb didn’t say.” Then she glances at me. “Want me to find out?”
I quickly shake my head. “No, it’s fine. I’ll message him.”
She nods, and I dig my phone out of my purse.
Me:Hey, just checking in. Seb said you’re not feeling great. You okay?
I stare at the screen, but the message stays unread. Maybe he’s asleep. But when it’s still unread half an hour later, I can’t help the worry creeping in. Ash planned today for me, and I should be more present, but all I can think about is whether Wyatt’s okay.
A few hours later, my message to Wyatt is still unread. I know because I’ve been checking my phone every five minutes, and with each minute that passes, my worry grows.
Sophie and Cade left not long ago, and when Ash gets up from the table and heads to the restroom, I move to sit next to Seb.
“Hey,” I say, keeping my tone even. “Taylor mentioned Wyatt’s not feeling well. Have you talked to him?”
“Yeah,” he replies, lifting his beer for a sip. “Sounded pretty rough this morning. And you know Wyatt, he never gets sick.”
My chest tightens. “That doesn’t worry you?”
He studies me, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. “Sounds like it worries you.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “He usually answers my texts, that’s all.”
He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m sure he’s fine, Ivy. I’ll give him a call.”
He scrolls to Wyatt’s number and presses dial. I hold my breath, listening to the distant ringing, until the line goes to voicemail.
“No answer,” he says. “Probably crashed out.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
When I spot Ashlyn coming out of the restroom, I jump to my feet and head toward her.
“Hey” I say, when I reach her. “I think I’m going to head out. I’m not feeling great,” I lie.
She studies me for a moment. “Okay... what’s going on?” she asks. “You’ve barely said a word all afternoon, and you’ve been glued to your phone.”
I glance away. “I’m just not feeling the best, that’s all.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Youlookfine to me.”
I let out a sigh, knowing I won’t get away with vague excuses. “All right. Taylor told me Wyatt’s sick, and I haven’t been able to reach him. Seb’s tried too. I’m worried.”
Ash waves it off lightly. “I’ll call Mom and ask her to check on him. I’m sure he’s okay.”
