Page 26 of Vain

“While you’re gone?”

“Gotta fly home for a little while. One of my best friends has been in some kind of accident. That’s why I’m looking for Greyson. Tilly said he would call ahead and get her plane ready.”

“Matilda’s going with you?” he asks, surprised.

“Yeah. I won’t leave her unprotected.”

He smiles and nods. “A little space from this place might be a good idea right now anyway. I’ll call the pilot and get things set up for you. I’ve had to do it before when Greyson’s been sick. I’ll fill him in on the details when he gets back.”

“That would be great, thanks.”

He takes his cell phone out of the pocket at the front of his apron and steps back as he makes his call.

I turn away to give him privacy and walk toward one of the large windows overlooking the courtyard. My eyes scan the patio furniture and the fire pit, skating over the rest of the deck before I focus on the grass and flowers.

I take a deep breath and blow it out. Kellen has to be okay. He’s too fucking stubborn not to be. Still, I know I won’t relax until I lay eyes on him myself.

“All done. The plane will be ready to leave in 45 minutes. Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“Can you pull together some food we can eat in the hospital? I don’t know how long we’ll be there, and I don’t want to expose Tilly too much by dragging her to the cafeteria to buy food.”

“Of course. I’ll do that now.”

“Thanks, Marley—” My eyes catch on something pink, and my words cut off as I head to the window for a better look. “Son of a bitch.”

“What is it?” Marley moves up beside me before his eyes land on the stack of manuscripts sitting on the arm of the chair. On top of the stack is a pink Post-it note, and lying beside it is a pigeon’s head.

Chapter Twelve

MATILDA

Aiden is quiet on the plane. Actually, he was quiet the second I entered the kitchen, where he was talking in a hushed voice with Marley. I don’t push him because I know he’s worried about his friend, but I can’t help but wonder if something else is going on, too.

I sigh and look out the window, chastising myself for being dramatic.

“Hey, you okay?”

I turn at the sound of Aiden’s voice as he returns from the bathroom and sits beside me, taking my hand in his larger one.

“Shouldn’t that be my line?”

“I’m not the one sighing.”

“I suck at this comforting thing, don’t I?”

“No. You’re exactly what I need you to be right now.”

“And what’s that?”

“Here, beside me.”

I squeeze his hand. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” I tell him truthfully. Sure, I’d rather we weren’t heading to a hospitalof all places, where his friend is hurt, but I’m glad I can support him for a change instead of the other way around.

I lean my head on his shoulder and close my eyes. “Tell me about him.”

“Kellen? He’s a pain in my ass.”

I snort with laughter as he leans his cheek against the top of my head.