Page 14 of Savage Keepsakes

“Neither of us. We’re teaching basic first aid, what to do if your parents aren’t there or if they’re hurt. It’s a new program being implemented because of how many kids are on their own after school.”

“Sounds like a plan. Better go see how well the ambulance is stocked. You know how the other shift can shit the bed.”

He raises an eyebrow. “I’m glad you say the quiet parts out loud,” he says.

The evening passes at a comfortable pace, and I’m relieved at the calmness of it. I needed something normal and predictable. The shift can go either way, and you never know until it happens.

“We have the next few days off. If I can help, let me know. It’ll get me out of my wife’s honey-do list.” Artie smiles and raises an eyebrow.

“I’ll let you know. There are so many things to fix. First is to get Miles the hell out of my house.” I lean against my car.

“If you need a male presence, you know I got you,” he says, resting his arm on the back of his truck. “I’ve complained to the manager of Meaty Burgers. Told ‘em his attitude is shit and they should hire someone else.”

“Wow, thank you. I don’t know what to say except to have an amazing sleep. I hope the pillow is cool on one side all day for you.” My face flushes, but my shoulders relax. I’m grateful for him.

I smile at Artie and get in my car before he can see how his words have affected me.

While driving home, my chest tightens, and a mist covers my eyes. Artie will never know how much his warm-heartedness means to me. Genuine kindnessis foreign in my life, and I have a hard time accepting and processing it.

My parents never went the extra mile to make me feel comforted, instead doing everything in their power to make sure I knew how unwanted I was by them.

I dig for tissues in my purse when I get to a stoplight to wipe my eyes.

The front door slams shut, startling me awake. Surrounded by pitch black, I groan before reaching for my phone to check the time.

It’s only noon, and I let out another groan. I guess four hours of sleep is better than nothing.

I rise from the floor, the stiffness in my muscles aching as I make my way out to the hall. Needing to know why the door slammed shut.

I stop at the bedroom door and knock, but no one answers. When I twist the handle, it opens to an empty room. All his stuff is gone and my mouth drops open in shock. I hope my prayers have been answered.

When the front door slams again, and familiar heavy footsteps echo through the main floor, I beeline back to my room, closing the door smoothly. The last thing I want him to know is that I’m awake.

I’m a fucking prisoner in my home. Should I call JoJo? Artie? I’m desperate for backup, but I don’t want to put them in danger.

After checking Google one last time, I spot a taxidermy shop I haven’t tried and call the number while pacing around my room.

Looking through the curtain panels, I find Miles is throwing bags into the back of his car. Leah stands with her hands on her hips, looking around the driveway.

Nausea rolls through my stomach, and my heart beats faster. I’ve never felt so fucking happy and irritated at the same time. That goddamn whore can have him. Leah thinks she’s won the lottery, but it’s just a slimy scam.

“Hello?” a familiar deep voice answers, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Billy?” I whisper.

“Lou? What’s the problem?” The nickname sends flutters through my stomach.

“I need your help,” I say. Turning away from the window, I anxiously curl my finger through my hair.

“What’s going on, darlin’?”

He has always called me his Lou or darlin’, and at this moment, that piece of predictable comfort is enough to pretend everything is fine.

“My ex-boyfriend, he, well, uh...” I stumble over my words.

“Are you safe? Want to meet in town?”

I glance down at my PJs as I contemplate how to answer.

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