Page 57 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

I looked up.

"You weren't in bed."

"I know."

"I thought you were in here." He paused. "But you weren't."

The room grew quiet.

"I checked downstairs, in the kitchen, the living room, even the garage."

His voice softened.

"You weren't anywhere in the house."

I lowered my eyes to the diary.

"I needed some air."

"You left Maci."

He sighed.

"Look, I understand why, but you've got to let me know something."

He came over to my chair and put his hand on my shoulder.

"I just need you to remember something."

I glanced up at him.

"You've waited all these years."

He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"Don't let one bad night make you forget the plan."

"I won't."

"You promise?"

"I promise."

He looked at the diary and then back at me.

"We're closer than we've ever been."

"I know."

"So don't rush."

I put my hand over his.

"I'm not going to."

Not yet.

My phone started buzzing on the desk almost immediately. Once. Twice. Then again and again. I picked it up.