Page 123 of Come Back To Me

“Still no joy finding him?” Dean looks between us both.

I shake my head, moving to sit back down at the table.

Dean follows, sitting next to me.

“No,” I say, my eyes glancing at Lauren.

She refills the kettle then takes a seat.

“Travis looked, but there’s been nothing since he disappeared. Jay’s phone’s dead, too. Tried tracking it, but it’s no use.”

Dean and I exchange a look. “Tracking it?” I ask.

She shakes her head dismissively. “I’ve been learning how to access…” Her voice trails off when she looks between me and Dean. We’re both wide eyed and waiting. “You know what, it doesn’t matter. It’s no good if his phone’s off.”

I’m really not sure what to say.

“So, school? How’s that going?” Dean asks chirpily, if not to iron out the tension of our little hacker’s admission.

“Great, actually. Thanks to Mads, I can finish my exams.”

Dean’s hand finds my leg under the table. “That’s great.”

He smiles at her, and she nods turning back to the kettle, making him a brew.

We watch her until she’s done, then she places it on the table. “Right, I’ll grab a shower, then we can go.”

“Go?” I look at her.

She looks confused. “Yeah. The guys? Travis? They know you’re out, right?”

“No. Not yet. I came straight to Mads. Haven’t told anyoneelse.” His hand still on my leg tightens, and he leans forward placing a kiss on my lips.

“Gross,” Lauren remarks.

I laugh at her disapproval.

“So we’re not having a big party at the clubhouse for you?”

“Maybe some other time. I need a decent meal which only my lady next door can provide.”

I knock his leg playfully.

“Plus, I kind of want to—”

“—No, come on!” she cuts Dean off. There’s excitement in her voice. “Please, it will be good for everyone.” She’s really pushing this. I can see a joy I’ve not seen in her before, it lights up her face. “I can sort it out. Trust me.”

When Dean looks at me for backing, I look back to Lauren. “Maybe she’s right? Things haven’t exactly been fun around here.”

“That’s an understatement,” she throws in.

“You know I hate parties.” Dean rolls his head back. It’s two against one. He’s already lost.

“Too bad. I’m calling Travis now.” Lauren holds out her fist, and I bump it before she goes off to find her phone.

Rubbing his face, Dean genuinely looks tired.

“It’ll be fine,” I reassure him. “Everyone will want to see you. Lynn has missed you too.”

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