Page 56 of Through the Storms

Chloe bunched a pillow under her head, so she could better see Riley. “How do you do it? You fell asleep like you didn’t have a care in the world. I couldn’t have fallen asleep for anything.”

Riley crossed one arm over her chest and grabbed her forearm. The gesture didn’t come off as defensive as two arms crossed, but Chloe sensed guardedness. “I suppose it comes with the territory, considering my job. I’d likely never sleep if I didn’t learn how to compartmentalize the things I see.”

“Oh, god, that was insensitive of me.” Chloe sat up against the headboard more awake now that she’d put her foot in her mouth.

“No, it’s okay. Most people don’t think about the things an EMT sees.” A shadow crossed Riley’s eyes. “And I don’t want you to.”

“Riley, seriously. I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t mean to come off accusatory. Please, write it off as the ramblings of a tired mind.”

“Relax.” Riley smiled. “You didn’t offend me. Besides, I could turn the tables.”

Chloe narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out the meaning behind Riley’s words.

“I was insensitive.” Riley tapped her own chest. “I should have realized how unsettling the day would be for you, and instead of falling asleep, I should have been there for you to talk to.”

“It’s okay.” Riley’s stricken look pulled at Chloe’s heartstrings. “Seriously, it wasn’t your job to babysit me. Besides, Sandy fell fast asleep, too, so Peggy and I got the chance to chat. She’s such a sweet woman.”

Riley’s face fell. What had Chloe said wrong? It was as if Riley caught her own reaction because she put on a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes and rose from the bed.

“She is sweet,” Riley said. “I’m glad you had someone to talk to.” Riley bent and rummaged through her clothes. “I think I’ll go check out the fitness center.”

Chloe stared at Riley’s back for a few beats. Something had changed the entire tone in the room, but Chloe was at a loss for what it was. She could let Riley go and surely things would be back to normal in the morning after they both got a good night’s sleep, but Chloe doubted she could sleep with the lingering tension between them.

“Wait,” Chloe said, louder than she intended.

Riley’s back stiffened before she turned. “What?”

“I don’t know what I said, but something in your demeanor changed, and I won’t be able to sleep until I know what it is.”Chloe snapped her mouth shut. She’d surprised herself with her assertiveness.

Riley met her gaze but didn’t speak right away. Chloe maintained eye contact with Riley, even though it was uncomfortable. A slight thaw came to Riley’s eyes.

Finally, Riley looked away. “You win. I think the excitement and stress of the day just caught up with me.”

Chloe contemplated Riley’s answer or more like justification, but it rang hollow. “Want to try again?”

“You’re not going to let me off easy, are you?” Riley dropped her workout clothes back into her suitcase and sat on the bed again.

Chloe shook her head.

Riley grinned. “Fine. I had a momentary bad—no, stupid—reaction is all.”

“To?” Chloe said.

“It was a junior high moment, but I’m better now.” Riley put her hand against her forehead. “You have enough teenage drama without me acting like one.”

“We all have lapses. Would you please just tell me?”

“I wanted to be…I want to be the one you talk to about things, not Peggy. But that’s so wrong on so many levels.”

After Riley stopped talking and didn’t pick up on the conversation, Chloe tilted her head and kept her gaze on Riley.

“I mean… first, it’s wrong because Peggy is such a nice lady and was just being helpful. Two, I should be happy you had someone to talk to….”

“And three?”

“And three….” Riley looked at the floor. “We just met three days ago, so who do I think I am? Why would I have the audacity to think that it would matter to you whether I was available to talk to?”

“I’m not sure if this will make it better or worse.” Chloe bit her lip as she chose her words. “Peggy’s sweet, but I would have rather talked to you.”