It’s been two weeks, and Chanel hasn’t bothered to reach out to me.
I leave her be and give her some space.
Pulling up at the bookstore, her car is there. That’s something I didn’t expect.
I walk in. Adora spots me first and offers a wave.
Chanel’s hair is back to dark—the red is gone— but I notice her straight away. She turns, a smile etched on her lips. “Lucas.”
Well, she sounds happy to see me.
“Chanel.”
“You told her who I was,” Adora states. “Have you told anyone else?”
We both look at her, but Adora’s eyes are pinned on me.
“No, only her.”
“Don’t go telling anyone else, Lucas,” she says, flicking her hair over her shoulder with a huff and then walking into the back of the store.
“I’m guessing you shouldn’t have told me?” Chanel giggles, and the sound is like music to my damn ears. “You look like shit! Which I don’t even know how that’s possible being who you are.”
“I haven’t been sleeping,” I tell her honestly.
“Why?” She pulls a stack of books from the counter and holds them to her chest. She notices where I’m looking and smiles. “Seems you’ve started an addiction.”
“It’s a healthy addiction. Reading is good for the brain.”
“I guess it’s better than killing women?” Her brow raises, and she waits for me to say something back, but I don’t. “Why haven’t you been sleeping?” she asks again.
“It was good seeing you, Chanel.” I step closer, and she stays where she is.
“Lucas.”
“Yes.”
“You’re ignoring my question.”
“So it seems,” I reply, smiling.
“Is it because of me?” Her voice is weaker when she asks.
“No, but I’m sure if you slept over, I would sleep like a baby.”
“I’m flying out today.”
“You’re back at work?”
She nods her head. “I am. It’s time.” Everything goes quiet again then she asks, “Why aren’t you sleeping?”
“Because every time I close my eyes, I see Sergio.”
“Sergio?” she asks, confused. Her eyes shift to the space behind me, she’s searching for him. “Where is he? Is this a joke?”
“No, punishment for my actions.”
“Actions? You aren’t making any sense, Lucas.” She shakes her head. “Where is Sergio? He goes where you go.”