Page 54 of Bones

The crazy look on his face as he stood in front of my car continued to weigh heavy on my mind as I crawled into bed. I was tired and in dire need of a good night’s sleep, but there was no way that was going to happen. I couldn’t even close my eyes without seeing that look on Cotton’s face, so I got up and headed down the hall to Lacy’s room. I knocked, and seconds later, the door creaked open just enough for me to see her flushed face. “Hey, Else. What’s up?”

“I couldn’t sleep, so... I’m sorry,” I stammered. “It’s late, and I wasn’t thinking. I shouldn’t have bothered you.”

“It’s fine. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Umm... It’s just been a long day, and I had a hard time falling asleep.”

“Well, where’s Bones?” she whispered. “He’s the one who should be helping you get to sleep.”

“He’s working, but it’s all good.” I feigned a smile as I said, “I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.”

I silently cursed myself as I turned and started back down the hall. I should’ve known with all the guys and their families here that Lacy and the girls would have their hands full—literally and figuratively. Regardless, I was still wound tight, and there was no way I was going to be able to fall asleep, so I headed to the kitchen to grab a drink and a bite to eat.

I was just about to pass the family room when I heard Susana’s voice. I couldn’t make out what she was saying, but it was followed by a round of giggles. I peeked around the corner and saw she and Darby having a glass of wine with Casey, Mia, and Chelsea. I had no doubt that they were using the night to catch up with one another.

I could’ve joined them.

We were all friends, and I would’ve enjoyed hearing about what was going on in their lives, but with everything going on, I wasn’t in the mood for catching up. I just wanted to grab my snack and get back to bed, so I continued down the hall towards the kitchen.

When I walked in, I was surprised to find Wren sitting alone at the kitchen table. She was wearing her robe and slippers, and she looked lost in her thoughts as she stared off into space. I hated to disturb her, so I tried my best to be quiet as I made my way over to the fridge. I grabbed a soda and some yogurt, then quickly closed the door. I was about to slip back out when Wren looked up and said, “Oh, hey, Elsie. I didn’t hear you walk in.”

“Hey, Wren,” I answered softly. “You doing okay?”

“Yes and no.” She shrugged. “You’d think that after all these years, I’d be used to lockdowns and what have you, but they still make meso nervous.”

“They make me nervous, too. It’s one of the reasons I haven’t been able to sleep.”

“I’m glad to know it’s not just me.” She patted her hand on the table. “Come over and sit with me a bit. Tell me how things are going with you.”

I walked over and sat down next to her, and I immediately felt self-conscious. Even without makeup, Wren was absolutely stunning. She had flawless skin and dark hair and eyes that made her look like she’d just stepped out of some beauty magazine, while I, on the other hand, looked like I’d just rolled out of bed. I tried in vain to brush the many loose strands of hair from my face as I told her, “Things are going okay, I guess.”

“And school?” She gave me a warm smile as she asked, “Are things still going well?”

“They are. I’m ready to be done, but it’s going great.”

“What are your plans after graduation?”

“Well, I’ve gotta find a job, maybe something in the city, and then, I’ll finally start looking for a place of my own. I’m sure the brothers think I’ve overstayed my welcome.”

“You know better than that. They like having you around, especially Wyatt.”

“Well, I’ve really liked being here and having them around, but I can’t stay here forever. We both know that.”

“And what about you and Wyatt?” Her question caught me off guard. I knew the guys gave him a hard time about me, but I thought it ended there. I had no idea that his mother knew how I felt about him. She must’ve noticed my surprise, because she quickly added, “Oh, honey. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be intrusive. I just know he thinks a lot of you, and I was hoping that you felt the same about him.”

“I do.I always have.” I knew she and Wyatt were very close, and there was a good chance that he’d already told her, but that didn’t stop me from saying, “We went out this past weekend, and I think it’s safe to say that things went pretty well.”

“Really?” Her smile grew wider. “That’s great. I had no idea.”

“I wouldn’t think too much of it. It’s just a couple of dates.”

“It’s more than that. You two have always had a special connection.”

“You think?”

“Oh, yes. He’s never looked at anyone the way he looks at you, and rightly so. You’re a wonderful young woman, Elsie.”

“That’s really sweet of you to say.”

---