Page 72 of Sage Haven
Ignored her texts with excuses about migraines and deadlines.
After the third time, she insisted on coming to me.
I should have seen that as a possibility.
Sam had always been relentless when she wanted something, but this time, I was grateful. Even if I was too hollow to show it.
When she arrived, two to-go cups in hand, she greeted me with the same grin she always had.
As if nothing had changed.
As if it was any other morning and no time had passed since we last spoke.
I curled up in my chair, clutching the latte she handed me like it was a life raft.
“How are things with Castor?” I asked. The question slipped out because it was easier than talking about me.
Sam’s face lit up—but only for a moment, then something flickered in her expression.
A shadow of doubt.
“I just can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something from me,” she said softly, lowering her gaze to her coffee.
Her words pulled me out of myself, if only for a second.
“What do you mean?” I asked, sitting up a little straighter.
She sighed, dragging her fingers through her hair in frustration. “We’ve been dating for six months, right?”
I nodded.
“Well…” she hesitated, chewing her bottom lip. “I’ve never been to his place.”
I blinked, confused. “What?”
She arched a brow, visibly exasperated. “Right?”
I shook my head slowly. “How is that even possible?”
Sam gave a small, nervous shrug. “We always meet somewhere or hang out at my apartment. He’s never invited me over. And I’m not going to push.”
Her smile was thin, brittle. “I’ve brought it up a few times, but he always changes the subject.”
I thought back to the field.
The clearing where the wildflowers once bloomed.
The place that wasn’t just beautiful—it was dangerous.
His place.
Reich’s home, I realized and probably Castor’s, too.
“Do you know if he lives with Reich?” I asked cautiously.
Sam’s head snapped up.
Surprise flashed in her eyes and something like betrayal, “He does.” Her voice was tight.
