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Not ten minutes later, we’re all filing into my apartment. “Ell!” Tori screams, running to Everly and throwing her arms around her. Everly stiffens. “I was so worried about you. I thought you were–”
“Tori,” Max cuts her off, shaking his head. She releases Everly and steps back, confused.
“I’m not… Ellie. I’m Everly.”
“Oh.” Her eyes travel up and down her body. “Wow, you guys look so much alike.”
Max shifts to the door when there’s a knock, and answers it. He shakes two guys’ hands as they walk in. As if there isn't enough commotion, Reed comes out of the bedroom. All talking ceases and eyes flash to me, then him. I get it people, he’s the spitting image of me.
His eyes widen as he takes in everyone. “I’m thinkin’ I need to eat my spinach a little more,” he jokes, breaking up the awkward silence.
Stone pats me on the back, leaning over to my ear and says, “He’s certainly funnier than you.”
I chuckle, nodding my head at the little guy.
I introduce everyone to Everly and Reed. Max takes over, introducing the two guys and I’m not surprised to find out they’re FBI. Everly wraps her arms around Reed’s chest as she eyes me. I don’t want to be the one to tell her they're here for her. I crushed her hopes we could be together and now I’m about to tell her that her life is in danger because of the face she shares with the woman she lost me to. Talk about a double-edged sword.
“What’s going on, Kase? Is Ellie in danger?” She looks past me at the guys talking in the kitchen.
I sigh. “No. She’s safe.” I pause, taking in a deep breath, looking down at Reed. “Tori, can you take Reed into the bedroom.”
She hops off the barstool. “Yep. Come on Reed, I’ve got a deck of cards in my purse, let’s see if you can beat me at war.”
He glances between me and his mom. She nods, giving him a reassuring smile. “I’ll come play in a few minutes.” Once they’re out of earshot, her smile drops. “Why is the FBI here?”
“They’re here for you.” Her eyebrows shoot up. “There’s someone after Ellie. She’s at a safe house so she’s safe… but–”
“But, I look like her,” she finishes my sentence.
The guys join us and discuss with Everly what'll happen. They waste no time gathering their luggage. She’s biting her nails as she watches them take it out the door.
“Come here,” I say, pulling her into me. “I’m so sorry this is happening. But if it’ll keep you and Reed safe, I’m all for it.”
“Where are they taking us?”
“They don’t disclose that to anyone. It’s better that way. I’d come if I could.”
“How long are they going to keep us there?” She pulls back, panic flashes in her eyes. “Kase, we can’t just disappear. Reed has school, I have–”
“The guy that’s after Ellie broke out of prison. Once he’s found, you’ll be able to go home.”
She spins around and stares out the window. “I can’t believe this is happening. One minute I have the perfect life, the next, my brain decides it’s a good time to screw it all up. It’s been downhill ever since. I wish I never remembered you.”
Even though I’m not choosing her, her words hit a sore spot on my heart. I want to tell her I’m sorry, but I’m not. I have a son who should have been in my life from the beginning. This situation sucks all around, but I’ll never regret finding out about him. I can’t wait to get to know him better and the sooner that bastard is caught, the sooner that can happen.
“It’s time to go,” one of the FBI agents tells Everly.
“Can I have a moment with Reed?” I ask her, not caring what the FBI agent says. Still staring out the window, she nods.
The typically dark room is bright from the open curtains. Tori and Reed are sitting on the bed playing cards. Tori looks up at me and smirks. “Better watch him, he’s a card shark.”
“Hey! No, I’m not, you just stink at cards.” He laughs. I’ve never wanted to bottle up a laugh, but damn, I could listen to that over and over and it’d never get old. “Kase, you wanna play?” Yes. All day, every day. Tori squeezes my bicep as she walks out of the room.
“I wish I could. There’s been a change of plans,” I say, sitting next to him on the bed.
“Are we still going to the beach?” He pops up on his knees.
“No. But I promise that's one of the first things we’ll do when you come back.”
