Page 55 of Only Fate

This is it.

What I’ve wanted to say all these years.

I open my mouth, but a loud knock on the door interrupts us.

I groan, turning to glare at the door.

The worst damn timing ever.

Neither of us makes a move.

Another bang on the door, this one louder.

“Essie!” someone yells on the other side. “It’s me!”

“Come in,” she finally shouts.

The door swings open. River and Easton walk inside. I’ve never seen River look so serious, even when his mother showed up early in the morning and he had a girl in his bed in college.

“What’s up, Adrian?” River asks, his gaze suspicious as he glances from Essie to me. This time, he’s not cracking jokes.

“He found me puking in my office and drove me home,” Essie hurriedly explains.

The air is tense.

My body stiffens as no one says a word.

I’m not wanted here.

“What’s wrong?” Essie finally asks.

Whatever it is, they don’t want to say it in front of me.

“Thanks for the help, man. I have it from here,” River tells me.

He’s trying not to be rude, but he definitely wants my ass gone.

My phone vibrates with a text. All eyes are on me as I dig it out of my pants.

Momblinks on the screen.

I feel guilty when I silence my phone, but I’ll call her back.

If it’s important, she’ll text.

And seconds later, she does.

Mom: Call me, please.

My legs feel weak as I rise and peer at Essie. “I’ll check on you later.”

She nods, a weak smile on her lips. “Thank you for today.”

“See you, man,” River says, patting my back as I pass him.

Easton nods while opening the door.

Whatever the reason they’re here, it’s not good.

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