Page 38 of Drop Three

Tenley and Gus are silent. Something big has happened here and I have a feeling I won’t like it.

“Bodhi…”There she is.Let’s hear it, my little terremoto.

“Yes, Navy? Please tell me what I don’t know.”

Her eyes find her lap, and this has to be the first time I’ve ever seen Navy do anything resembling cowering—she’s always so strong. On the contrary, I’m slightly staggered that Gus and Tenley cornered her like this, so it must be something important. Navy has never intentionally done anything to hurt anyone, and I’m confident that whatever it is she hasn’t told me, there’s a logical reason for it.

It’s one of my favorite things about her.

As if a wave of confidence comes over her, Navy says, “I’m not staying with Tenley anymore.”

Okay…how does that warrant Tenley being upset?

“I see…then who are you staying with?”

“I’m not.” What?

My focus is on Navy and only Navy; I couldn’t look away if I tried. “You’re notwhat, Navy?”

Her head lifts, and I catch Tenley sending Navy a nod. “I’m not staying with anyone, Bodhi.”

What the fuck?

“Navy…spit it out. Where are you living then?”

“At a hotel.”

Son of a fucking bitch. My hands grip the water in front of me and I find myself shaking—shaking with worry and panic. Why didn’t she come to me? Why did she keep it from me? Surely, she didn’t think I’d be upset with her.

Oh, I am.But not because Navy left Tenley’s place.

“Technically, it’s a motel.” That came from Tenley, and I catch Gus shushing her in a harsh whisper.

“Ten, seriously? Whose side are you on?” Navy asks.

Tenley replies, “I’m on your side, and that’s exactly why I’m not letting you live like this anymore.”

Navy looks at me and I can feel the apology in her eyes. “I’m staying in the Motel 6 off Ashbury.”

Ashbury? Hell no. Does she have any idea what kind of crime happens down there? I need to tame my rage because that’s not what she needs right now. But over my dead body am I going to let her sleep there another night.

“Navy, I’m trying my best to be patient, but I’m fucking livid right now. I trust you had a reason, but I have to know…what in the hell were you thinking?”

“I don’t owe you an explanation, Bodhi.”

“Like hell you don’t.”

Navy replies, “We. Are. Not. Together. Therefore, I’m not your concern.”

We throw Gus and Tenley off balance.

They must be wondering what would make Navy say something like that. No one knows how well Navy and Igenuinelyknow each other, and we promised no one would ever find out.

Especially Callaway.

Selfishly, though, Navy feels like mine. More than she ever has, and I’m aware it makes me fucked up to even think that.

“You’re not staying there anymore, Navy.”

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