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She nods, but it’s hesitant.
I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Look, I don’t like pushing, but you’re not yourself today. You barely spoke on the way back, and now you’re up here alone, skipping meals? That’s not like you.”
She stays quiet, staring down at her hands.
I wait.
Finally, she sighs. “I don’t know, Cole. Maybe it’s just catching up to me. The trip, the heat, everything.” She rubs her temple. “I was feeling off this morning, then I felt better, but now… I don’t know.”
I narrow my eyes slightly. “You were fine when we were in town.”
She lets out a soft, dry laugh. “Yeah, I thought so too.”
Something about the way she says it makes my stomach tighten.
I straighten, watching her closely. “Are you sick?Do you need to see a doctor?”
Her head snaps up. “No! No, nothing like that. I don’t think it’s anything serious.”
She’s lying. Not outright, but she’s definitely holding something back.
I reach out, trailing a finger along her wrist, feeling the fast beat of her pulse beneath my touch. “Is this about last night?” I whisper. “Are you feeling down again?”
Annie shakes her head. “No. It’s not that.”
“Annie,” I say with a bit of a warning. “We talked about this. You’re supposed to tell me—”
“It’s not that,” she insists. “I swear. I just… I think I need to rest.”
“Annie. Look at me.”
She swallows, avoiding my gaze. “Cole, I’m fine.”
I don’t believe her.
But I also know when to push and when to back off. I may not be amazing at relationships, but I know how to negotiate.
For now, I choose the latter.
I nod slowly. “Okay.”
Her shoulders relax slightly. “Okay.”
I stand, watching her for a moment longer before heading toward the door. “Storm’s coming tonight,” I tellher, keeping my tone casual. “Maritza says it won’t be bad, but we’ll need to stay inside.”
She blinks, as if just realizing the change in weather. “Oh. Okay.”
I glance toward the window, where the sky is starting to darken at the edges, thick clouds creeping in. “It’s moving in fast.”
She nods, tugging her blanket up over her lap. “I’ll stay in.”
I hesitate, my fingers brushing over the door handle. “Dinner will be soon.”
She gives me a small smile. “I’ll be down in a bit.”
I nod once, then pull the door open and step into the hallway.
I don’t believe her.