Page 85 of Fractured Souls
“You got your inhaler?” I ask.
Bo rolls his eyes. “Yes, Mom, everything is packed.”
Noah claps his hands. “We’re going to have the best week ever!”
“This place is insane.” It really is. The two-story house sits on a lake, and I saw a deck outside when we came in. I know in a few hours it’s going to be dark out, even though it’s only two in the afternoon.
Noah showed us to our room, and there’s been a bit of tension between us all, especially Bo and me. We haven’t really talked much since our dates. I’ve been busy working and he’s spent a lot of time with Noah. I know he’s avoiding me.
Or maybe he’s spending time with Sawyer.
Shit, I didn’t think about that. Maybe he is. Maybe they clicked and they’re starting something new together. My stomach sinks.
No, it’s okay. This week I’m going to focus on getting us back on track. “I’ve never stayed somewhere this nice.” Bo unpacks his clothes, folding them neatly. I know it’s for show, and to keep his hands busy. He hates folding clothes.
Everything just feels awkward and tense. “Hey.” Noah pops his head in. “Can I ask a huge favor, Gym Daddy?”
Oh, we’re still doing that.
“Uh, yeah, sure.”
“Can you please go with Hunter and Jamie to get a tree? I don’t want Jamie feeling brave and picking one up. Hunter might need help, though. Mark has these noodle arms and he—” Noah gets shoved out of the door frame.
“Hunter wants to know if you’ll help since you’re the strongest.” Mark glares at Noah. “If you can. If not, Xavi will go.”
“No problem.” In fact, I insist, because this tension between Bo and me is making me itch.
“Great! They’re leaving now.”
“Do you need help with anything?” Bo asks Noah.
“We’re going to order dinner, but if you want to hang out with us downstairs . . . Bri is pulling decorations out of the attic.”
“That sounds good.” He passes me, glancing at me quickly before heading out the door. I think I’m alone, but I look up and see Noah still in the doorway.
“What?”
Noah looks like he wants to say something. There’s a seriousness in his green eyes I’m not used to. “Nothing. Jamie and Hunter are downstairs already. It’ll be dark soon.”
I guess it’s time to get a tree.
“We shouldn’t have waited this long.”
“And what should we have done? Find a tree weeks ago and strap it to the jeep then?”
“Or a fake one.” Hunter shakes his head. “There are no trees left at any of these farms.” It’s been about an hour and the sky is starting to blacken. I hate winter for this reason only. It gets dark way to early.
“This close to Christmas, what did you expect?”
Hunter drives slowly, looking out of the window. Jamie’s knee bounces. I saw him smoke before we left. I let him sit in the front, and his naturally tan skin is about four shades lighter.”
“You alright?” I poke my head through the center.
“The snow isn’t helping.”
“I have four wheel drive and I’m a great driver.” Hunter pats Jamie’s thigh. “You’re okay.” He looks out the window. “Hey! Look here.” We drive into the parking lot of a motel with a couple of trees lying against a fence.
“Why would a motel have them?”
