Page 68 of Kissing Kayley

Meaning best to get it over with sooner rather than later. “They recalled him to DC. I’ll meet up with him there. He’s busy.” Actually, he hadn’t yet replied to the good-morning text I’d sent him.

Fortunately, Mom took the hint when I pulled my sleep mask over my face and turned away from her.

Because the last thing I wanted to do right then was talk.

Especially not about Vic.

I managed to nap on the plane, but my dreams were filled with nightmares of being snatched from Vic’s arms and spirited away to some dark, shadowy chasm while the rest of the world exploded.

No, that’s not subtle atallllll.

We landed at Andrews and were driven to the White House. I texted Vic when we landed, but he still hadn’t replied by the time we arrived, which…

Concerned me.

Jordan met us downstairs, engulfing me in a huge hug after he hugged my parents.

“You okay?” I whispered.

“Yeah,” he said. “Thanks for coming.”

When he started to step back, I didn’t release him, staring into his eyes. “Are youreallyokay?”

He looked haggard, dark lines limning his cheekbones beneath his hazel-green eyes. “I’m not worried about me. Leo and I are focused on Elliot and his folks right now.”

“Yeah, but someone needs to worry about you,” I said.

“I promise I’ll be okay,” he said. “Leo and I will work on that after we get Elliot and them through this.”

That had to be good enough, for now.

We headed upstairs and yes, I kept an eye out for Vic the whole way but didn’t spot him.

Leo, Elliott, and the Woodleys were gathered in the family living room when we arrived. We all hugged but I saved Leo for last. I had to lean over because he was using a wheelchair due to recent knee surgery.

“We should talk,” I softly said. “Alone.”

“Yeah.” When I started to stand, he caught my wrist and smiled as he ran his fingers over my colorful bracelet. “He told me about that. Love it.”

“Kind of weird to have a day collar from my brother,” I whispered, and that made him snort and struggle to hold back a laugh.

“Where is Vic, anyway?” I asked.

“Sorry, I don’t know. I think he’s here today. I haven’t seen him.”

I’d already sworn I wouldn’t ask him to find out but then he crooked two fingers at one of his detail, whispered to him, and sent him off, presumably in search of Vic.

“Thanks,” I muttered.

I really didn’t want to make this about myself when Elliot and his parents were so obviously hurting.

But this was one time I wouldn’t fight my brother.

Ten minutes later, I sensed something and turned to see Vic emerge from the elevator.

I stood and walked over to Jordan as Vic approached the living room doorway.

“Is there anywhere we can talk?” I asked Jordan, indicating me and Vic. “Alone?”