Page 97 of The Haunting of Lockton

A soft gleam shone in his eyes. “Sky, if you want to—”

“I don’t. Okay? Please just drop it.”

“Okay.”

Taylor looked between us before pressing his lips together, clearly deciding to stay out of it.

With a twinge in my chest, I turned my back to the coffeeshop and planted myself on the bench opposite theirs, returning my attention to my phone. I wasn’t really seeing it though. My mind was elsewhere.

Why had I snapped at my brother? He had only been trying to help. Deep down, I knew the reason. Because Ididwant towalk right into that coffeeshop and sign up to play onstage. A lot. But once I got a taste of it, I knew I’d only want more. Living my dream meant I’d be denying Julian his. This show, our investigations, meant everything to him. It was best for me to ignore it.

It would hurt too much otherwise.

“I’ll try to get a hold of Callum,” Taylor said. “See if we can meet outside of his session hours.”

“Thanks.” Julian looked at me. “Ready to head back to Redwood?”

“Sure.”

The drive to the hotel was quiet, but I didn’t feel like turning on the radio. Julian looked out the passenger seat window, his fingers curled on his thigh. It was a tell. I tended to drum my fingers on any nearby surface—my body included—when I was deep in thought or upset. Julian tightened his and dug his nails into his palm.

After I parked the SUV, we went up to our room.

“Sorry for being a dick earlier.”

“You weren’t being a dick,” Julian said, sitting on his bed. “I shouldn’t have pressed the issue.”

Guilt wound through me. It wasn’t his fault at all. “Maybe one day I’ll do it. Perform at one of those coffeehouse things.”

He gave me a half-hearted smile. “Maybe when we’re done with this.”

“Done with what? The Lockton investigation?”

“No. The show.”

I froze at his words, taken off guard by them. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing. I’m just tired.” He shook his head and kicked off his shoes. “I know I said we need to go through evidence, but I’m not feeling up to it right now. Is it cool if I nap for a bit?”

Bullshit, I wanted to say.

“Sure,” I said instead. “I’ll wake you in time for dinner.”

He got under the covers and faced the wall. Away from me.

Probably so I couldn’t see whatever emotion he wanted to hide from me. I had always excelled at shoving down my emotions, but Julian wore his on his sleeve. Or maybe I was overthinking it, and hewasjust tired. We had been on the go for months and months, taking only a few days here and there to properly rest before moving on to the next city. His recent remarks had more than likely stemmed from that.

We both needed a break. Arealbreak.

A text interrupted my whirlwind of thoughts.

Paxton:We should grab pizza for dinner.

A smile instantly formed, and little flutters infiltrated my chest cavity. He’d texted me first again. A sign he’d been thinking of me.

Me:Pizza, huh? You’re not one of those weirdos who puts pineapple on it, are you???

Paxton:…