Page 101 of How To Not Need You

I choose to ignore his further ramblings and push through the doors.

The bell above them gives a cheerful little chime that feels completely inappropriate.

Page & Grounds is busy enough that I have to scan twice with the insane hope that Liv will be there.

I scan the crowd and spot no red hair. My stomach drops another inch. As my gaze crosses the counter, I see Luca.

The second he sees me, his expression changes. That's all the confirmation I need. He knows.

I walk straight towards him. “Where is she?”

Luca sets the mug down. No dramatic greeting or smart comment. No delighted announcement that the firefighters have returned. That worries me more than anything. That, and his silence.

Luca hasn't been silent since I met him. It’s unnerving enough that I start talking.

“Megan was at my house.”

Luca’s expression tightens. “We know.”

“Her hot-water system broke. Her landlord couldn’t get anyone out for three days, so she asked if she could use my shower.” I drag a hand over my face. “I was at work. I wasn’t even there.”

Luca stares at me for a second. “Fuck.”

“Yeah.”

“So it really was just the shower?”

“Yes.”

He exhales and looks towards the back of the shop. “Harper thought there might be an explanation.”

“Does Liv know?”

Luca doesn’t answer.

My stomach drops. “Does she know?”

“She knows Harper thinks she should talk to you.”

“Where is she?”

“She’s safe at home.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“No.” His voice stays calm. “It isn't.”

I stare at him. Three days of exhaustion and worry push against the inside of my skull.

“Luca.”

His expression doesn't change at my tone. “I love you, Jake. I genuinely do. But she asked us for help.”

The words almost cause me to stagger.

She asked us for help? Liv.

The woman who would rather chew through her own arm than admit she needs anything from anyone sent out a call for help because of me. My anger disappears at the reality of what this misunderstanding must have cost her to ask for support. I drag a hand over my face.