AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Come on, you two. I have a surprise for you,” I say, leading them to the dining table.
“Blueberry pancakes,” Matthew says, grinning.
We all sit at the table and, after sharing grace, start to eat. It’s just the three of us, which I’m happy with. The twins tell me everything that’s happened in the past few days between bites of their food. I listen attentively, commenting on the exciting bits.
“Now it’s your turn, Isa. What did you do in Denver?”
“Hmm. I went to a party,” I tell them.
A party at a club where I was almost molested. I’ve tried to push that night to the furthest parts of my mind. Graham was the perfect distraction, but now that he’s not here anymore, the feeling of anxiety over what could have happened that night is impossible to ignore.
“Was it fun?” Matt questions.
I nod. “Yeah,” I lie. “It was amazing.”
“What else happened? And who is the friend you were with during the snowstorm?”
I sigh. Why is everyone so curious? I might as well tell them, though.
“He’s a new friend. I met him at the party. He invited me to his place and I got stuck there,” I say, skirting around the truth.
Maria’s eyes widen. “You were stuck with someone you didn’t know?”
It’s good that they get that the situation was not ideal. It means they’re old enough to understand stranger danger. Thankfully, I ended up with Graham, but my experience could have been so different with someone else.
“Yeah. Crazy, right? But luckily for me, he was a really great person.”
“Tell us about him,” Maria prompts.
“Well, his name’s Graham,” I start. “He’s really tall with green eyes, and he’s funny, too. He listens to Taylor Swift so I’m sure you’d like him, Maria.”
Her eyes gleam. “Can we meet him?”
“I don’t know, sweetie. He’s a busy person. And we kind of parted ways.”
They seem confused by that.
“Why did you part ways if you like him?” Matthew asks.
“Because sometimes you need to make hard choices.”
Maria frowns. “But I want to meet him.”
“And you will, sweetie. One day,” I promise.
I wasn’t lying to Graham. I fully plan to seek him out eventually. When he’s settled, maybe when I’m healed. My mind’s still a mess, and Jason is still constantly hovering. I’m also not sure what I want from him. So, despite how hard it is, our separation’s a good idea.
I’ll see him again soon.
CHAPTER 11
Graham
THREE MONTHS LATER
“Yes, I received the report and I went through them yesterday, but it needs some serious editing,” I say into my phone as I walk through the sliding double doors.
The lobby is expansive, with high ceilings and polished marble floors. I nod once at the staff manning the reception desk and they offer me a smile back. Over the phone, I receive a reply to my request.
