Page 107 of Shattered Melodies

I made my way to the kennels, the dogs’ excited barks echoing through the stillness. “Alright, alright,” I chuckled, grabbing the feed bucket. “I know you’re hungry. Hold your horses.”

As I was doling out the food, my phone started buzzing in my pocket. I fished it out, frowning at the unknown number on the screen. Normally, I’d let it go to voicemail - not much for talking on the phone if I can help it - but something made me answer.

“Hello?” I said, wedging the phone between my ear and shoulder as I continued feeding the dogs.

“Is this Caleb?” The voice on the other end was vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it.

“Yeah, that’s me. Who’s this?”

There was a pause, then, “It’s Jimmy. Liam’s friend.”

I froze, my hand halfway to the feed bucket. Jimmy? Why the hell was Liam’s best friend calling me?

“Uh, okay,” I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. “What can I do for you, Jimmy?”

He sighed, and I could hear the worry in his voice. “It’s Liam. He needs you right now.”

My heart rate kicked up a notch. “What’s going on? Is he okay?”

“He’s not hurt or anything,” Jimmy said quickly. “But look, it’s not really my place to say. You should hear it from him. He could really use a friend right now.”

I ran a hand through my hair, my mind racing. What the hell was going on? “Yeah, okay. I’ll head over there now. Thanks for letting me know.”

“No problem,” Jimmy said. “And Caleb? Liam doesn’t know I called you. So maybe don’t mention it?”

I nodded, then remembered he couldn’t see me. “Got it. I’ll keep it quiet.”

After hanging up, I stood there for a moment, trying to process. Liam needed me. But why? And why couldn’t he call me himself?

The dogs whined, bringing me back to the present. “Right, sorry guys,” I muttered, quickly finishing up with their food.

As I headed back to the house, my mind was whirling.

I took the fastest shower of my life, throwing on the first clean clothes I could find. As I was heading out, I nearly ran into my mom in the hallway.

“Whoa there, speed racer,” she said, steadying me. “Where’s the fire?”

I hesitated, not sure how much to say. “It’s, uh, it’s Liam. I think he might need some help with something.”

Her eyes softened with understanding. “Go,” she said, patting my cheek. “Take care of your boy.”

I felt my face heat up at her words. “He’s not… we’re not…”

She just smiled, shaking her head. “Whatever you say, honey. Just be careful driving, okay?”

I nodded, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out to my truck.

I pulled up to Liam’s place, my heart hammering against my ribs. The porch light was on, casting a warm glow over the front steps. Before I could even get out of the truck, the front door swung open, and Jimmy stepped out.

“Caleb,” he said, relief evident in his voice. “Thanks for coming.”

I nodded, shoving my hands in my pockets. “No problem. What’s going on?”

Jimmy glanced back at the house, his brow furrowed with concern. “It’s complicated. Look, I’m going to head to a hotel nearby, give you two some privacy. Just be patient with him, okay? He’s going through a lot right now.”

I frowned, not liking the sound of that. “Is he okay? Is he hurt or something?”

“Not physically,” Jimmy said, shaking his head. “But emotionally? He’s pretty messed up. He needs you, Caleb. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it.”

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