Page 180 of The Summer Off Grid

My arms are aching and sore. We still have quite a few boxes to take up with us next.

Still, these are Ingrid’s parents. And they paid for our gas here. They’re helping us move. They’re being supportive.

I can smile for three more excruciating photos.

“I think we’re good now,” Jill says.

We head inside and stop in front of the elevator. There’s an Out of Order sign taped to the front of it. Great.

“Guess we’re walking,” Ingrid chirps with enthusiasm.

The stairs are steep and Ingrid clips one, tumbling forward. I drop the boxes and grab her.

“Why are these stairs so tall?” she grumbles as she rubs her knee. “I feel like I’m walking up a stairwell built for a giant.”

“Are you okay?” I ask her.

She smiles. “I’m fine.”

We gather the boxes and continue climbing. The second floor is surprisingly high up.

Ingrid tries the door, but it’s locked.

Cash and Elowyn were supposed to meet us here, but maybe they’re out sightseeing.

I balance the boxes on my knee and slip the key out of my pocket. It takes me a while, but I finally get the door unlocked and push it open.

Ingrid goes in first, me right behind her.

But I run straight into her and nearly topple over as she stands perfectly still.

My eyes follow her line of sight.

Cash.

Elowyn.

No clothes.

Couch.

I blink once. Twice.

Are they seriously having sex on our couch?

“What the fuck?!” I holler.

They scramble off the cushion and grab their clothes.

I stare at them, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

This is going to be the longest fucking year of my life.