“No way. I’d never do that.”
“I just had to make sure.” He says something else, but cramping intensifies in my hamstring. It’s worse than any cramp I’ve had in lacrosse, and I was that asshole drinking pickle juice on the side of a field trying to eliminate tight quads.
I think…I think I have to move.
Slowly and carefully, I reach down to my thigh, my fingers kneading the muscle. I have to angle a little to touch the spot. God, that feels better. I close my eyes as I continue massaging the muscle. My elbow collides with a hard suitcase and lets out a thump.
Pain blooms but it’s dulled under my hysteria.
My heart jettisons from my body. Out of this car. Out of this planet.
Did anyone else hear that?
I listen harder. Voices are quiet, almost distant. I have no chance at distinguishing the words. I don’t know if that’s good or bad. And then…
The trunk beeps, indicating that the hood is lifting.
Oh fuck.
I suck in a breath, holding it. Not moving a muscle. Please don’t see the massive almost human-sized duffel bag in this car.
“Garrison?”
Willow. I let out a breath of relief.
She whispers, “Can you…um…make sure your blindfold is on?” She adds quickly, “Don’t reply. Lo is still on the stoop. I’m pretending I’m on the phone with my mom.” She must have the cell to her ear. “I’m going to get you out of the trunk. Just hold tight, okay?”
28
willow moore
“Are you alright?” I whisper. “Do you need water? Food? Oh my God, your legs.” I press my fingers to my lips. His calves are swollen the size of small melons.
Garrison rubs them as he sits on the edge of my mattress.
I’ve already snuck him inside the lake house, which took less maneuvering than I thought it would. All thanks to Ryke who wanted to give everyone a safety lesson with bear spray in the woods. They didn’t question my phone call with my mom, so I stayed back to sneak Garrison up to my room.
Four stories, two-wrap-around porches, and giant maple trees everywhere, the lake house is a secluded majestic place. I feel a little badly that I blindfolded Garrison and he didn’t get to see the outside. Because it truly is beautiful.
It’s also huge.
Big enough that I have my own bedroom, and for this occasion—hiding a boy—I’m very appreciative of the size.
Garrison massages his calves. “I’m good, Willow.” His voice is a whisper too. “Honestly, don’t worry about me. You should go hang with your family. I’m cool to chill.”
I wish we could be in each other’s company for longer, and I hesitate to just abandon him here. “I’ll bring up some snacks.” My eyes flit to the en-suite bathroom. “If you use the bathroom when I’m not here just remember—”
“Not to flush,” he finishes with a smile. “Got it. This isn’t my first time being stashed away.”
I pale. “Oh yeah. Of course. You’ve snuck into girls’ bedrooms before.” Duh, Willow. He was super popular before he met me.
“No. I mean, yes, I’ve done that. But not like this.” He shakes his head. Eyes cinching. “I was referring to Superheroes & Scones. Although it was a stupid analogy. The place wasn’t exactly packed with people when I was camping out there.”
Worry pulls my face, remembering everyone I’m deceiving here.
He holds up a hand. “I promise, Willow. I’m not going to make a sound.”
“I know. I believe you,” I say softly. “I just want you to be comfortable.” I don’t want him to feel like a criminal I’m trying to hide away. Even though…that’s exactly what I’m doing, isn’t it? Hiding him.
He’s not a bad person.
A tender smile touches his eyes. “Believe me, I’m the most comfortable I’ve been in a long time.”
His words hoist my spirits, and we both quiet when the porch door creaks open. He nods me on with his chin. Silently saying, go be with your family.
What does it say about me, if I really just want to stay right here?
My feet, heavy like cement blocks, shuffle towards the door.
Rain slams on the deck, the pitch-black night creating an eerie feeling in the living room. The perfect atmosphere for a slumber party—which Rose Calloway has turned into a séance. Leather furniture is pushed against wide, floor-length windows to open up the space.
I cross my legs on a red bear-patterned rug and try to enjoy the evening. It’s hard with the storm outside and my brain all the way back in my room.
My mind is on a 24/7 news cycle of Garrison Abbey. It’s just…I haven’t had much opportunity to check up on him. At least, not as much as I’d like. And I’m trying to stay in the moment and enjoy these gatherings. Many people would kill to play light-as-a-feather, stiff-as-aboard with the Calloway sisters.
I did just that.