Page 114 of Wherever You Are

“No way. I’d never do that.”

“I just had to make sure.” He says something else, but cramping intensifies in my hamstring. It’s worse than any cramp I’ve had in lacrosse, and I was that asshole drinking pickle juice on the side of a field trying to eliminate tight quads.

I think…I think I have to move.

Slowly and carefully, I reach down to my thigh, my fingers kneading the muscle. I have to angle a little to touch the spot. God, that feels better. I close my eyes as I continue massaging the muscle. My elbow collides with a hard suitcase and lets out athump.

Pain blooms but it’s dulled under my hysteria.

My heart jettisons from my body. Out of this car. Out of this planet.

Did anyone else hear that?

I listen harder. Voices are quiet, almost distant. I have no chance at distinguishing the words. I don’t know if that’s good or bad. And then…

The trunk beeps, indicating that the hood is lifting.

Oh fuck.

I suck in a breath, holding it. Not moving a muscle.Please don’t see the massive almost human-sized duffel bag in this car.

“Garrison?”

Willow.I let out a breath of relief.

She whispers, “Can you…um…make sure your blindfold is on?” She adds quickly, “Don’t reply. Lo is still on the stoop. I’m pretending I’m on the phone with my mom.” She must have the cell to her ear. “I’m going to get you out of the trunk. Just hold tight, okay?”

27BACK THEN – May

Smoky Mountains

WILLOW MOORE

Age 18

“Are you alright?” I whisper. “Do you need water? Food? Oh my God, your legs.” I press my fingers to my lips. His calves areswollenthe size of small melons.

Garrison rubs them as he sits on the edge of my mattress.

I’ve already snuck him inside the lake house, which took less maneuvering than I thought it would. All thanks to Ryke who wanted to give everyone a safety lesson with bear spray in the woods. They didn’t question my phone call with my mom, so I stayed back to sneak Garrison up to my room.

Four stories, two-wrap-around porches, and giant maple treeseverywhere, the lake house is a secluded majestic place. I feel a little badly that I blindfolded Garrison and he didn’t get to see the outside. Because it truly is beautiful.

It’s alsohuge.

Big enough that I have my own bedroom, and for this occasion—hiding a boy—I’m very appreciative of the size.

Garrison massages his calves. “I’m good, Willow.” His voice is a whisper too. “Honestly, don’t worry about me. You should go hang with your family. I’m cool to chill.”

I wish we could be in each other’s company for longer, and I hesitate to just abandon him here. “I’ll bring up some snacks.” My eyes flit to the en-suite bathroom. “If you use the bathroom when I’m not here just remember—”

“Not to flush,” he finishes with a smile. “Got it. This isn’t my first time being stashed away.”

I pale. “Oh yeah. Of course. You’ve snuck into girls’ bedrooms before.”Duh, Willow.He was super popular before he met me.

“No. I mean, yes, I’ve done that.But not like this.” He shakes his head. Eyes cinching. “I was referring to Superheroes & Scones. Although it was a stupid analogy. The place wasn’t exactly packed with people when I was camping out there.”

Worry pulls my face, remembering everyone I’m deceiving here.