Page 105 of Unloved

“What did you say?”

He hands his opened phone to me, forcing me to repocket mine to see it.

RO

They weren’t there when I went to carpool—I panicked and started calling you. I went to the rink, but no one saw who they got in the car with.

RHYS

Apparently their dad picked them up & got in a wreck. Headed to the hospital now. Everyone is okay.

RO

Leaving now. I will meet you there.

RHYS

It’s fine, stay home. It’ll only stress Sadie out more than she already is. I’ll keep you updated.

There is no response to that—and I know exactly why.

Keeping my voice calm and whisper quiet, I grit out, “You had to know how she would take that, Rhys. Goddamn it.”

“I know,” Rhys sighs, rubbing his eyes tiredly. They’re red, watery, like he’s been holding back tears. Like he’s been the strong captain for the entire Brown family to lean on like a crutch—but he’s barely sturdy enough for it.

But I know from experience that Rhys Koteskiy is nothing if not loyal and fiercely strong in his love. And it’s only because ofthatknowledge that I know he’s telling the truth—he didn’t mean anything hurtful to Ro.

“I’ll call her and take care of it,” I say before poking him hard in the chest. “But apologize now. Rosalie’s the most selfless person I know. She’s probably crying alone in her apartment over that.”

My stomach rolls.

“Rosalie?” he asks, eyebrows raised.

“Fuck off,” I sigh. “I’m gonna go, but keep me updated. And take care of them.”

“I will,” he vows. “And, Freddy?”

“Yeah?”

“Sorry I told you to keep away from her. You’re a good friend and Ro seems like she needs that.”

A good friend. I smile but it hurts. “Yeah. Anytime.”

CHAPTER 39Freddy

The dorms are empty and quiet on a Friday night, but after several unanswered calls and texts to Rosalie, I decided to make a house call.

“I know you’re in there, princess,” I say again, banging on the door a little harder. I would feel bad if I thought she was already asleep, but I know Ro enough toknowthat she won’t be able to sleep after that.

I know Ro—God, does it feel good for that to be true, to know her inside and out enough that I can be here, her support system when she’s so often been mine.

“Please, Rosalie,” I beg, pressing my mouth against the wood and projecting my voice.

Finally, the door opens. I’m leaning heavily enough on it that I stumble a little and reach out to steady myself by grasping Ro’s upper arms.

To steady yourself? Or just to feel her skin.

Ro’s so beautiful that seeing her always feels like I’ve been checked into the boards by some massive defenseman, breath knocked clean out of me.

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