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A scream slips out of my lips as I’m yanked to the present. A pair of concerned brown eyes meet mine out the driver’s side window. I hold a finger up, and he stands up, giving me a moment to catch my breath and open the door. The second my feet touch the ground, Henry pulls me into his chest.
“Kali! I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. Everyone has been a mess since you…” His words trail off as his arms tighten around my chest, making it difficult to move my arms. Henry’s a big teddy bear.
“Henry, I’m fine. But you’re going to pop me like a balloon if you don’t let me go.” He pulls in a deep inhale and blows it out before releasing me. As our eyes meet, Henry blinks back tears, and I squeeze his bicep.
“Why are you right here?” He points to the ground where we stand. “This is where…” He shakes off the rest of the words as he looks up at the sky, fighting with his emotions.
“I was just trying to remember more about that night. Maybe if I was right here, something would come to me.”
His brows shoot up. “And? Anything?”
I sigh. “No. At least not since you scared the shit out of me.”
“Sorry.” He shrugs unapologetically. “I saw a strange car pull up on the security monitor and figured I’d check it out.”
“Security monitor?” That’s new.
He nods. “They’re all over town now. Between the Rangers being here forever, questioning everyone, and the fact they haven’t caught the guy, people are scared.”
Who could blame them?
Thanks to the Texas humidity, I wipe a bead of sweat off my forehead. “Can we go inside? It’s a little warm out here.” I lock the door and then follow him to the front of the store and then inside. The black-and-white monitor behind the register catches my eye. Sure enough, my car sits right in the middle of the screen.
“If only you would’ve let me walk you home.” I jerk my head away from the screen to look at him. I’ve walked home by myself every Friday night for years. I never accepted his offer to walk me home because I never wanted to lead him on. Regardless, if someone wanted me, they could’ve found another moment in my monotonous life to take me. “Dammit, I should’ve kept you safe, Kali.” The anger in his tone surprises me.
“Henry, this isn’t your fault.”
“I would do anything to keep you safe. Stay with me.” Excuse me, what? “Don’t look at me like that. You might be in danger,” he growls, throwing his hands up. “They haven’t caught the guy.”
I shake my head. “I can’t live in fear my whole life. It’s been three months already. Who knows if they’ll ever catch him?” His jaw tightens. “I need to start living. Put this all behind me. I’ve enrolled in college and start at the end of the month,” I say in excitement. I want him to be happy for me. Despite his pining hopes we would one day be together, we’ve always been friends. Ever since we were five.
He rolls his eyes in resignation and walks behind the counter. The half door snaps shut behind him, and we stare at each other in silence for a few awkward beats. “I wish you would’ve never won the lottery.”
My spine straightens, and I cross my arms. There is no way he found that out on his own. My attorney guaranteed it. “Who told you?”
“Pearl was talking to me one day, and it slipped. She was upset and made me swear to not tell anyone. But I already had my suspicions after Hobie came in and asked if you bought a lottery ticket.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I lied. You know I hate that fucker, and I thought it was weird that he was asking. But then I started thinking about it and it made sense. You were suddenly moving, and you were avoiding me.”
“I’m sorry. I wanted to say goodbye, but I was afraid of people finding out. But why would you say you wish I hadn’t won? So I would’ve been stuck here the rest of my life?”
“No, Kali. Obviously, you getting kidnapped has something to do with that money. I don’t know how, but it’s a little too convenient to happen right after you win millions. I knew this town couldn’t keep you. You deserved more than this town ever gave you. Even though I wished that I was your more, I’m not stupid.”
“Henry, I’ve always lo?—”
“Don’t,” he snaps, leaning forward on the counter. “Don’t tell me you love me, just not like that. You’ll break my heart.” His lips quirk up, and I release the tension in my shoulders, realizing he’s kidding. “If you ever change your mind, you know where I’ll be.” He winks. And just like that, we’re back to our usual banter.
I grab a pen off the counter and a random receipt beside it. “If you’re ever in Austin, call me.” I write down my number. “I finally got a phone. This is my number.”
He takes it and adds it to his phone’s contacts. “Good luck, Special K.”
I laugh at the childhood nickname as I wave and walk out the door.
Dozens of shoes have been worn down to holes walking these streets, and I’ve never once felt unsafe. Until now. I hate this town. Looking at my life, I’m certain it hates me, too.
With a quick glance in both directions to look for cars, I cross the street and head toward the Wallflower Diner. It’s a heavy lunch crowd today. Not one empty parking spot in front of it. The door’s bell jingles as I enter. Multiple gasps fill the air, and all heads turn toward me.
