Page 72 of Running Winter

"Yup."

Dad nodded, returning to his food. We ate in silence for a moment; then, Dad put his cutlery down with a clatter.

"So go get your girl, Chase. I refuse to believe a girl like Rayna would bed hop, sorry. Don't sit here looking like your world is ending."

"I don't even know where she is," I drained my drink before wiping my mouth on my sleeve. "She isn’t answering my calls. Her mom thinks she is at a friend's house, and her friend just said she shacked up with some guy. There's only so much you can do, you know?"

Dad chewed on his lip thoughtfully as his gaze moved to Mom, who was standing in the doorway. His eyes softened as he tilted his head, the two of them speaking silently.

"I'd go for a walk, Chase. Clear your head," Dad commanded, putting his hand out to my Mom, who rolled her eyes.

Are they serious right now?

"A walk?" I spat, shaking my head. "So you two can fuck?"

"Chase!" Mom snapped as Dad frowned at me.

"Well, yeah. But also you need to clear your head. You're not thinking straight. Rayna is a good girl."

"I love Rayna, is something—" Mom said hopefully, but Dad silenced her with his lips on hers.

That was my cue to leave, let me tell you. I'd rather leave the house than be privy to what would be going on in that kitchen. I shuddered as I left, the cold air greeting me as I did. Rayna didn't live far from here, and although I wasn’t a stalker, I decided to walk there.

Maybe I could talk to her Mom.

The walk was pleasant enough, and I barely saw anyone along the way.

My mind drifted to how the different generations of my family had grown up on these streets, which made me feel strangely comforted.

Of course, my grandparents had the best story, but that was because it was filled with drama. Then Rafe's parents stole the show entirely, making their life look like a thriller movie.

As I neared Rayna’s street, my heart skipped a beat.

There on the corner was a guy on a motorcycle, and he was talking to Rayna.

My head span.

Who the fuck is he?

I stepped back behind a tree, making sure I could see them, but they couldn't see me.

The guy was built, and he looked older than Rayna, from what I could see. He had tattoos on his neck and a shaved head.

Rayna nodded as he spoke, her head bowed. She seemed stressed, and immediately I felt protective towards her.

Fuck this.

I walked forward, and I heard the guy speaking.

"Just get more."

"You need to just speak to him. I can't—"

The guy on the bike shook his head before starting his engine.

"No. Please, Ray."

My skin prickled with jealousy as her shoulders sagged. She leaned forward to hug him, and I can't bear to watch. If she kissed him—

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