Page 74 of Bones

“Yeah, I almost feel bad for the guy.”

I didn’t hold the same sentiment as my brother, but I kept those thoughts to myself. I was about to ask him what Cotton thought about the situation when my phone chimed with a message. I got an uneasy feeling as I pulled my phone from my pocket. I glanced down at the screen, and as soon as I saw the message, I knew there was going to be trouble—big trouble.

Unknown Caller:

LET HIM GO

OR THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES.

CHAPTER19

Elsie

I’d prayed.

I’d crossed my fingers.

I’d wished on falling stars.

But deep down, I never thought that things would work out for me. I thought I was destined to live a life full of disappointment and heartache. But last night, Wyatt proved me wrong. He asked me to move in with him, and for the first time in a very long time, I was excited about the future.

And I was looking forward to talking to him about it the following morning. Unfortunately, he disappeared again, and I was left wondering how long it would be before he returned. I curled up with his pillow and tried to go back to sleep, but I was too happy and excited, to even think about sleeping. I eventually gave up and got out of bed. I got dressed, then slipped down to my room to take a shower.

As soon as I was done, I got dressed and headed straight to Lacy’s room. It was early. I was worried she might not be awake, but seconds after I knocked, her door opened, and she motioned me inside. “Hey.”

“Morning.” I stepped into her room and was surprised to find that it was in complete disarray. There were boxes scattered on the floor, and the clothes from her closet were piled on her bed. “Whoa. What’s all this?”

“I’m packing up.”

“What?”

“I’m leaving.”

“You can’t leave.”

“I can, and I am.”

“But why?”

“Because it’s time for me to go.” She ripped her favorite Aerosmith poster from her wall as she muttered, “If I’m being honest, I should’ve left a long time ago.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Seeing how happy you are with Wyatt has made me realize that I’m wasting my time here.” She crumpled up the poster and shoved it in the trash. “I’m tired of being just a hang around. I just can’t do it anymore.”

“You’re more than that.” I walked over and sat down on the edge of her bed. “You’re like family to everyone here.”

“No, Elsie. I’m not.” She reached up and pulled her Bad Company poster down from the wall. “I’m a club girl. I’m the one the guys wanna play with, but when it comes to picking an ol’ lady, they always end up with a good girl like you.”

“Why does that sound insulting?”

“You know I didn’t mean it that way.” She came over and sat down next to me. “It was great while it lasted, but it’s time for me to face the fact that I’m never going to find my happily ever after unless I leave here.”

“But what am I going to do without you?”

“I’m sure you’ll manage just fine.” She gave me a playful nudge. “Besides, you have Bones. I’m sure he will keep you entertained.”

“Yeah, but it won’t be the same.”

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