Page 79

Liam snickers at the fact that I’m the one who got us caught out. “Grams,” Liam greets. Her scowl quickly morphs into a smile.

The air in the room shifts immediately. All the previous tension evaporates, with the exception of maybe Uncle Ansel, but he can stay sour. The world rights itself at the proclamation. That man never deserves praise—the selfish prick.

“Do you see anything, Charlie?” My grandmother quips, taking her first verbal jab. A curled smile dons her timeless face.

“Not a thing, Addie,” my grandad adds.

Smiling, I stroll toward her, leaning down and kissing her cheek. “Don’t be like that, Grams. We know we should’ve visited sooner, but we’ve been acclimating to Groveton University life.”

“Don’t you two try to sweet-talk your way out of this,” she teases. “You both have been in this house for more than two hours, and short of eavesdropping, I didn’t see either of you.”

Liam squats down. “You know we had to look our best to see you.”

As they continue to talk, I pull out the box of Grams’s favorite pecan truffle brittle. “How else would we be able to get you this?” I cajole, placing the box in her lap.

“All is forgiven,” she squeals, and her smile doubles in size as the room bursts into laughter.

A chuff sounds, averting my attention to the back of my exiting uncle.

“You’re still so easily bought by these two, Addie,” Pop taunts, returning my attention to who really matters.

Swatting his shoulder, my grandmother replies, “You’re just jealous because you can’t have any.”

The lively conversation continues after my uncle’s departure, and all thoughts of marriage contracts are temporarily disbanded. That’s a problem for tomorrow, quite literally.

32

eva

“She’s beenout for too long,” I hear a muffled voice state.

“Just let her rest, Coop. She needs it.”

Awareness of my body knocks out the last of my grogginess. My mouth is dry, and my skin feels tight.

Fuck!I had an episode.

My heart rate picks up, and I try to regulate my breathing. I’m panicking my way into another spiral. Questions swirl like an F5 tornado as prickles shoot up my spine.

Where am I?

Why is Cooper here?

Did anyone see me?

“Open your eyes, Evie!” The command of Colter’s voice forces me to do just that.

My gaze darts around the room, slowly taking in my surroundings. I’m at their house, in their room.In their room. My body stills at that revelation, and my mind slows down for the first time in days.

Exhaling, I welcome the relief and question why the calm I seek is only found with them. I ruined their lives, and like a greedy bitch in heat, I only go belly up for them.

“That’s our good girl,” Cooper exclaims. “Now sit up and drink some water because we have some things to discuss.”

My brow arches, “We do?”

“You showed up at our house mumbling about signing the contract,” Colter chimes in.

I freeze. “I did what?” Confusion etches itself on my face as I try to remember. The volleyball game… strike to win… Fah—Fah.My breakdown slams into my chest. I was chasing Farrah and lost her again. I burst through a door, and it goes black. Fuck! I had a major episode. I haven’t blacked out like this in almost a year.