Page 135 of Through the Storms

Chloe closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath. The doorbell rang; fretting time was over. She ran her hands down her blouse to straighten it, and then she made her way toward the front entry. Before opening the door, she took another deep breath.

Riley stood in her denim shirt and blue jeans and those damned Wolverine boots. She looked good. Chloe stared without speaking.

Riley finally broke the silence. “Hi.” She gave Chloe a slight smile.

“Oh, god, where are my manners? Please, come in.”

Riley thrust a bag toward Chloe. “Um, I thought I should bring something.” She looked down at her feet as she shifted her weight back and forth. “Uh, that’s stupid under the circumstances, isn’t it?” She pulled the bag back.

“No. Please.” Chloe reached out. “It was thoughtful.”

Riley handed Chloe the sack. “I got a little something for you and something for Mia, too.”

“Oh, how sweet.” Chloe motioned Riley inside. Hopefully, the awkwardness would pass.

“Where is she?”

“Mia? I guess you could say she’s on a date.”

Riley’s eyes widened. “You let her go on a date?”

Chloe laughed and swatted Riley’s arm. “Don’t look at me like that. Lucas’s mom is taking them to the mall in Oklahoma City. Then they’re going to dinner and a movie, so I’m solo today.”

Riley’s gaze darted around the room, and her face colored.

Chloe decided to ignore the reaction, for now. “It’s good for her. It’s the first thing she’s done for fun since it happened.”

“Survivor’s guilt is hard, especially at her age. Nobody that young should have to face mortality.” Riley frowned.

“It’s why Oakley and Lana do what they do. Maybe one day they’ll unlock the mystery.” Chloe guided Riley into the living room. “Please, have a seat. What would you like to drink?”

“Do you have any of that sweet tea you were handing out to the volunteers?”

“Somehow, I thought that’s what you’d say.” Chloe smiled.

“How?”

“I dunno, maybe the gallon you drank every time I came around with refreshments.”

Riley’s cheeks reddened.

Chloe hurried from the room and returned with a pitcher, two glasses, and the cheese tray.

“Wow. You pulled out all the stops.” Riley took the cheese platter and set it on the coffee table.

“It’s the least I could do to thank you for all you’ve done.”

Riley nodded but didn’t say anything. Was there a look of disappointment on her face, or was it just Chloe’s imagination? After she poured the drinks and they were seated on opposite ends of the couch, Chloe held up the bag. “Did you want me to open this?”

“Sure, sure.” Riley nodded and took a gulp of her tea. “This is heavenly.”

“I’ll only have one glass.” Chloe smiled. “So, you don’t need to chug it down.”

Riley grinned but didn’t respond. Chloe couldn’t help but notice how quiet Riley was today. When they were on the trip, the two talked nonstop, but things felt different. Awkward.

Chloe shifted her focus to the bag. The first thing Chloe pulled out was a wrapped present with Mia’s name on it. Chloewondered what was in it, but she wouldn’t ask. “I’ll make sure she gets this when she gets home.”

“Paint,” Riley said.