I shrugged. “Oh, right. Uh, breakfast with the girls at nine.”
“They’re doing good?” she asked.
I nodded. “Well, Cami plans to avoid her mom as much as possible this summer, so we’ll just have to keep her busy.” A smile reached my lips.
“I checked on Laurie a few times this last spring,” Lily said. “She seems to be doing okay. Drinking less. Working hard.”
My smile grew. “Cami knows her mother loves her; she’s just terrible at showing it.”
Lily smiled and nodded. “At least she’s trying.” She placed her phone in her robe’s pocket. “Stop by the café on your way back, and don’t forget to lock up when you leave in the morning, okay?” She perked up. “Also, I’d like to take you out for an early birthday dinner. How about La Masseria tomorrow night?”
I nodded.
“Be back by six, okay?” she added.
I flashed her a warm smile. “Sounds good. Night, Lily.”
After Lily resigned to her room, I attached the family photo at the park in a text message for Joel.
Me:Sorry for texting so late. You and Derek need to get your asses out here. I miss you guys.
Joel:I may be able to fly out for your birthday next week. I have a few projects I’m working on, but if I can wrap them up, I’ll come out. Thanks for the picture. Man, I’ve aged.
Me:Dork, you and Derek still look amazing. Anyway, no problem. That would be great if you could come out for my birthday. I can go out drinking with you guys this time, well, legally, anyway. Tell Derek I said hi.
Joel:Will do. Take care, kiddo.
_______________
NOTHING HAD CHANGEDin my room except for the freshly cleaned sheets and the scent of citrus surface cleaner from the bathroom. All my old belongings that I didn’t want to take to college that I had left behind were still stacked in boxes in my walk-in closet. My guitar still sat in the corner of the room.
I plopped on my bed, placed my phone on the charger, and then lay back, staring up at the ceiling.
She isn’t here. You’re safe.
Turning back to the nightstand, I reached for my purse, pulled out a container of melatonin, and popped a few to help me sleep. Many would probably call me crazy for sleeping in this room. Lily had asked me a million times before I came here today if I was sure, but I told her I’d be okay. Because I will be. I have to be.
My eyes felt heavy before I slipped into my dreams.
Hishands gently caressed my neck. Those soft lips reached my collarbone and tickled my skin, creating a mountain of goosebumps up my back. A small sound escaped my lips, my back instinctively arching. My body ached to be touched everywhere by his powerful hands. However, something felt different tonight, like he was fading slowly from my dream. Yet, his touch still lingered over every curve of my naked body.
“God, I’ve missed you,” he breathed, stroking my cheek with the back of his fingers. I moaned at his touch and placed my hand over his, stretching out his fingers and leaning into his palm.
“You know I would have come sooner if I could,” I said, gripping his hand more firmly. My fingers locked with his. “Be patient with me right now. It won’t always be like this.”
He grinned and kissed me gently. “It’s worth the wait,” he whispered. “I’ll always be here when you come.”
Suddenly, a black cloud of smoke crept between us, and when the wind blew from my right, it took the image of him with it. A sudden panic hit me at my core. Why was it all suddenly changing after a year of him coming into my dreams?
The gentle breeze felt warm as it tickled my skin, but something was missing. I looked around and saw a beautiful field full of bright-colored flowers. I heard the birds chirping and saw the lush green trees swaying in the wind. But it felt empty?—like I was looking at a painting. I walked over to the trees to take a closer look. The thick trunks of the trees were hard to the touch; they didn’t feel like trees.
As the branches shook, I pulled my hand away and watched the leaves quickly change colors. The bright green faded into blood-red and radiant amber. It was like seeing the seasons in a time lapse. I reached out to touch the tip of the leaves when they suddenly darkened and curled, eventually vanishing, leaving the tree bare.
There was one tree that stood out among the others. Dark red leaves fell slowly from their branches onto the ground. It left me transfixed by its hypnotic beauty.
A gray, smoky mist crept through the trees and wrapped around my body. I walked closer to the tree as each leaf dripped what looked like thick red liquid.
Is this blood?