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“Seems like it.”
“So, tell me what you think you know,” I tell Ruby with a renewed determination. I wait on the answer that will solve all this.
Sixty
Reagan
The next morning, I roll out of bed as cautious as I can, cradling the side of my head. My hair looks like a lion’s mane as I catch a glance in the bathroom mirror. After relieving my bladder, I go into the kitchen and make myself some coffee, the good stuff. I look on the counter for my cell phone, thinking that was the last place I saw it, and suddenly remember the details of yesterday’s events, why my brain feels like it’s currently being used as an extra instrument in a rock band, and why I have no Everett to grab me coffee on the way back from his run.
I turn on the coffee maker; the cheap shit will have to do. Placing my cup beneath the spout, I click on the strongest strength. Once it’s poured, I stir some sweetener into it and take a sip of the steaming liquid. I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and pop some Aspirin.
I need to find my phone, so I start my search in the couch, only to find it wedged between the cushions. I pluck it out and power it on. I put it back on the breakfast bar and wait for it to load. The clock on the wall catches my eye and I see it’s almost ten. I don’t even sleep in this long on a weekend, let alone during the week. But then I usually have work to get to.
My cell pings with message after message as it comes alive. Coffee in my hand, I pick up the phone and find I have a couple messages from Hayden and even more from Everett.
I probably shouldn’t ignore the ones from Hayden—and I won’t, I’ll read them later and go see him—but for now I focus on the ones sent from Everett.
I’m sorry. I didn’t even get to tell you what I came to say. Maybe when you’ve had time to think, we can talk.
Just so you know, I’m totally innocent in all this. I need you to know that that’s probably not the right thing to say but I’m desperate here.
I know you’re ignoring me and probably hate me right now, but I could never do to you what you thought I did.
Rae, please. Please talk to me. Just call me.For fuck’s sakes, Reagan. I…I… Forget it.
His messages stopped just a little after ten o’clock. By that time, I was way more than tipsy. Ruby and I drank both bottles of wine, had pizza, and slept in my bed. She held me as I gave in and cried. Again. She made me promise to speak to Everett and hear him out. She only had a couple of clients this morning, so she was taking the rest of the day off after to play detective. I always told her she should have studied journalism, not hairdressing.
I click in the text field of Everett’s message and type out a reply: I don’t hate you.I’d turned my cell off after you left. I needed some space to think. I don’t know what to think anymore. I’m not sure who to trust.
Swallowing the rest of my coffee, I take my cell with me into the bedroom and put some clothes on. I find my blue ripped jeans and pair them with an off the shoulder white tee, then slip on my white Converse hi-tops before spraying myself with deodorant and brushing the knots out of my hair. Twisting it around my hand, I place it in a bun and secure it with a hair tie. I don’t bother with makeup. I am in no way put together all the time.And if a time in my life ever called for casual clothes this is it.
This is the real Reagan Quinn.
As I slide my cell into my back pocket, it vibrates with a message. Pulling it back out, I see a reply from Ev: I’m glad you don’t hate me.Rae, you can trust me, I promise.Can we meet later?
Locking my screen, I slip the phone back into my pocket without answering him. I’m not sure if I’m ready to see him yet. I grab my purse from the kitchen and leave the apartment to do what needs to be done.
I pull up at Mom’s house, nervous but determined to talk to her and explain everything that’s happening with Hayden. I take a calming breath before pushing my key into the lock and opening the front door.
“Mom, it’s me,” I call out.
Mom greets me as I turn the corner. “Reagan. This is a nice surprise.” She’s all smiles until she looks over my appearance. Then she frowns. “Sweetheart, are you okay? You look pale and tired.”
“Can we sit down, please?”
“Of course. You sit and I’ll grab us some coffee.”
Mom leaves me and I go into the dining room. I drag a chair from under the table and sit down. My knee bounces with nervousness. I have no idea how this is going to go, but I’m sure everything will be fine. Once she sees I’m just trying to look out for my brother, Mom can then help me broach the topic with him
I’m dragged from my thoughts when Mom comes in with two cups of coffee and places one down in front of me. Once she’s sitting, she smiles at me and covers my hand with hers.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I’ve got a day off work and thought I’d come see you after I had to leave…” I breathe deeply, shutting my eyes “…so suddenly the other night.”
“Oh, come on, Reagan, I know you better than that. You’re very much like your father. You can’t hide your emotions because they show on your face.”
A small smile tugs at my mouth at the mention of dad. She’s right though.
