Page 30 of Blindsided

“Nope. Haven’t heard a word. I’m not expecting to, either. Desmond has been keeping an eye on my apartment, but whoever this is must know I’m not there because he hasn’t tried to go back to my apartment since the last break-in.”

“Maybe he’ll give up with you being out of the city.”

“I sure hope so. Anyway, what are you and Dad up to?” I ask, needing to steer the conversation away from the shitty reason I’m staying with Matthew in the first place. I just want to focus on how my teenage self would be dying over the fact that I’m getting to sleep one room away from my fantasy man.

“Your father and I have been touring the Redwoods in California. It makes you feel very small in the grand scheme of things when you stand next to a tree that’s thousands of years old.”

“Wow. Definitely puts things in perspective. How long are you staying there?”

“Well, we were thinking about driving home soon. With everything going on, I hate being so far away from you.”

I cringe, thankful we’re not video chatting. If Mom and Dad come home, will I have to stay with them instead of Matthew? Would it be weird if I didn’t? Probably, but I hate the idea of leaving. “You don’t need to do that, Mom. I’m perfectly safe with Matthew. I’d be heartbroken if you ended your trip because of some maniac who has no idea where I am.”

“Okay, sweetheart. I hear you. We haven’t made any decisions yet. ”

The doorbell rings, making me frown. Am I supposed to answer the door? I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that since this isn’t my house.

“Mom, I think someone is here. Can I call you later?”

“Sure. We’ll chat later. Love you.”

“Love you, too.” I hang up the phone and creep into the foyer. The frosted glass around Matthew’s door doesn’t give me a hint about who could be out there. Maybe it’s just a package. Or maybe my stalker found me and is going to murder me the second I open the door.

I do not need that image in my head.

Ignoring my ridiculous thoughts, I open the door. A grin stretches across my face when I see who’s standing there.

“Ellie!” Her blonde hair is a mess on top of her head, and she’s got on leggings and a loose sweater that hangs off her shoulder. She’s one of those people who looks phenomenal no matter what she’s wearing.

“Hi!” She rushes in to give me a tight hug. “How are you?” she asks when we separate. I step out of the doorway to let her into the house.

“Despite the chaos, I’m great, and taking full advantage of the time off.”

“Good for you. You deserve to relax for a bit.”

We walk into the kitchen, and I finally notice the paper bag Ellie brought. “I know it’s a little early, but my classes were brutal today. I thought going to school for graphic design would be fun since it’s my passion. Turns out, you have to draw whatever the instructors are teaching, even if you suck at it.” She pulls out a bottle of red wine.

I laugh at her distraught expression. “I am in. Want to take it to the basement?”

“Yes!” Ellie drops her stuff on a barstool, and we head downstairs. I grab the bottle opener while she grabs the glasses, and in just a couple of minutes, we’re posted up on Matthew’s couch, catching up on the things that have happened since I was last here. Sergio comes down while we’re chatting and curls up in my lap.

I tell Ellie all about fashion week in Paris. She soaks up each juicy detail, asking every question under the sun about the clothes and people I hang out with. The best part about talking to Ellie is she’s genuinely curious. None of her questions are asked in a way that makes me feel like she’s trying to find an opportunity to use my connections. There are plenty of people who have attempted to use me to further their careers. It’s disheartening every time I think I’ve made a new friend, when, in all actuality, they don’t give two shits about me.

“Do you ever get to keep the clothes you wear?” she asks, taking a sip of her wine.

“Most of it isn’t exactly my style.” I grin. “I wore the most hideous plastic ensemble once. I swear I can still hear the squeaking in my head sometimes.”

Ellie laughs. “Your life sounds exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.”

I tip my head toward her. “That’s exactly what it’s like. It’s this whirlwind of energy that’s so easy to be swept up in. Then when I get spit back out again, my body is like,what the fuck just happened?There are times I could sleep for a week when I get home from a trip.”

“Here’s to finally getting a chance to catch up on your rest.” Ellie lifts her glass toward me, and I clink mine against hers.

“How are things with Adam?” I ask her.

She glances down at her lap, her eyebrows furrowing.

“Hey,” I say softly. “Whatever you say stays right here between us, okay? I promise.”

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