Page 88 of Through the Storms

Chloe must have come to the same conclusion because she said, “I don’t know what got into me last night. I shouldn’t have…I shouldn’t have put you in that position.”

Ouch.The words were like a knife to Riley’s chest. The last thing Riley wanted to hear was that last night was a mistake. She’d never believe what she’d experienced with Chloe was a mistake. “I understand.”

Riley didn’t, but what more could she say? She’d only make it worse if she told Chloe all the crazy things running through her mind. If she told Chloe that last night felt more real thananything she’d ever felt in her life. Riley turned and stared out the window, only partially seeing the buildings that rushed past. If she could, she’d escape from the van and run far away.

Chloe’s hand settled on Riley’s knee, and Riley practically jumped out of her skin. “I didn’t mean to startle you,” Chloe said.

Startle?No, it didn’t startle her. Chloe’s touch burned like a hot poker. Part of her wanted to brush Chloe’s hand away, but the biggest part wanted to grab Chloe’s hand and beg her to reconsider. “You didn’t startle me…uh—”

Chloe yanked her hand back. “That wasn’t fair, was it?”

Riley shook her head. Maybe she wasn’t telling Chloe everything she felt, but she wouldn’t lie to her.

“It just breaks my heart to see you so…uh…uncomfortable, unhappy.”

“Sad?”

“Yeah, sad.” Chloe dropped her gaze to her lap.

“I could say the same about you,” Riley said, surprising herself.

“You could.” Chloe nodded and began pulling on the hem of her sweatshirt with earnest. Chloe sighed and looked past Riley and stared out the window. “I know you probably think we need to talk, but I don’t know what there is to say. We…I made a mistake.”

Riley pulled her shoulders in and squeezed closer to the window. No other words could have hurt Riley worse.A mistake.Riley was a fucking mistake. Anger welled inside her, and her jaw clenched. “Message received.” Riley turned her body and stared out the window.

“Shit.” Chloe’s voice came out louder than Riley suspected she wanted it to. The conversation in the van stopped. “Uh, sorry. I just jammed my finger. Everything’s fine.”

The conversation in the van picked up, but the pair remained silent for several minutes.

“I didn’t mean it the way it came out,” Chloe said.

“If it’s all the same to you, I will never think of last night as a mistake.” Riley crossed her arms over her chest.

“Riley.” Chloe sighed and closed her eyes. “That came out so wrong.” Chloe ran her hand through her hair. “With all the emotions and adrenaline yesterday, things just got out of control. That’s all.”

Riley held up her hand and turned her head away from Chloe. “We’re in a van full of people. I can’t listen to all the reasons why last night wasn’t real. Not here. Maybe not anywhere, but certainly not here.”

“I understand.” Chloe’s voice was so full of sadness that it nearly broke Riley.

Riley turned back and met Chloe’s gaze. She wanted to tell Chloe everything she was feeling, but she didn’t. She’d just asked Chloe not to say anything more in the crowded van, so she couldn’t, either. “Let’s just try and enjoy the rest of our trip.”

CHAPTER 34

Britt pulled to astop at the light and shot Oakley a glance. She made a slight backward motion with her head.

Oakley picked up her meaning and shrugged. Something was definitely up with Chloe and Riley. Between the unsettling vibe coming from Chloe and Riley and the looming severe weather, Oakley was on edge. There were only so many times she could study the radar. She needed to do something to release some of her pent-up energy. She smiled to herself. If only Lana was here.

Oakley needed to find something else to keep herself centered, so she called out, “Hey, guys, do you want to hear more about how weather warnings work and why a level five is a big deal?”

The group responded with enthusiasm.

“Okay then.” Oakley swiveled and faced the passengers.

There was a huge space between Chloe and Riley. No more huddling together. But it was their eyes that were most telling. Both looked defeated, as if all life had been pulled out of them. Throughout the trip, they’d been so lively and engaged.

Oakley shifted her focus back to Peggy and Sandy. If she had to look at Chloe and Riley for long, she wouldn’t be able to concentrate on her words.

“How long do you think the government has been issuing tornado warnings?” Oakley asked.