Page 72 of What Remains

“Maybe later?”

“Don’t take too long. Your dad will send someone to check on you if you don’t make an appearance soon.”

“I know, I know.” I smirk, then wait for her to leave before grabbing my mobile from my desk.

I haven’t seen Easton since this morning, and it’s almost lunchtime. After our shopping spree, Dad had him jump in with the others to hunt for leads while I tried to Frankenstein my Jerry. Part of me has a ridiculous fear that if he’s out of my sight for too long, the universe will decide it likes him better gone and take him from me again.

I curl up on the couch and text him.

How’s it going? Any leads?

Bubbles appear. Disappear. Reappear.

Easton: Nothing yet How’s Jerry?

You know Tom is the cat, right? And Jerry is not Jerry’ing yet. I mean, he’s ready to operate, but he doesn’t feel like mine.

I glance at my rig. My stomach aches at the mere sight—or maybe it’s because I only ate two bites of bagel this morning.

Natasha said you talked to Jesse. Go okay?

Easton: He’ll be fine. He’s just walking down memory lane, and that can be a shitty place to be.

Don’t I know that.

Are you alone?

Easton: No. I’m with your dad, your new best friend, his brother, Zoey, and Carter. Oliver and Mya are joining soon.

New best friend, huh? I’m faithful, mister. Only one guy best friend allowed. You’re it.

I send a screenshot.

Easton: You texted yourself that from my phone. I would never use the word bestie.

Easton: And I’m not your guy best friend. Girls only have guy best friends they’re not attracted to. My nephew told me that’s a thing.

Attracted, hmm? Ego much?

Easton: Of course. I’m a pilot. You can’t fly for a living without one.

I laugh out loud.

As a kid, I considered all pilots like Superman but without the tights. Sooo I get it.

Easton: One thing you’ll never get me in. Don’t even think about it. The speedo attempt was bad enough.

Oh come on.

Unfortunately, no speedo emoji.

But back to your point, I guess that means we really aren’t besties, because according to Elaina, guys are only BFFs with girls they DO find hot and wish they could be with.

Bubbles start, stop, and start again. Then vanish.

A knock sounds at the door, and I head over to answer it. I don’t bother checking the hall. The floor is basically a vault. No one without clearance is getting up here by way of lift, and the emergency stairways are only accessible to leave, not enter.

I swing the door open and step back at the sight of Easton.