Page 79 of Deeper

He bobbed his head. “I’ll do it.”

“Good. Get Rajaa to film it and you’re set to go.”

“You’re really leaving?”

“Yes.”

Melancholy caused his shoulders to sag in shame. “I don’t want you to go.”

“I know, and the next time you’re mad and about to throw a fit, think about this moment when I’m leaving. When I’m not standing by your bullshit.”

He pouted. “Please stay.”

I took a step back. “No.”

He tugged on my hand, and as much as all of me wanted to go limp and collapse onto his lap where I wanted to be, I resisted and stepped away. He couldn’t have me. He couldn’t have a reward for losing his temper and being mean.

So, reluctantly, I went to leave.

“I’m scared,” Zander spoke up from behind me.

I turned, catching him open, vulnerable. “Of what?”

“That you’re really good for me.”

He had a way of saying the right thing that snatched my heart into a vice grip. “Don’t be.”

“You’ll be back?”

“Of course, and you’ll be good.” With a wink, I slipped back into the house.

Terry and Dax seemed to be gone as I walked through the house for the front door. Rajaa wasn’t in sight, but Paul had been in the entertainment room when I walked by.

“Hey.” He stopped me as I made my way to the front door.

I faced him, giving him a look that asked,What?

“You’re really leaving?” he asked.

“Yeah, but don’t worry, I’ll be back.”

I had just grasped the knob when he spoke up yet again. “Hey.” I turned, finding him watching me. “I like you for him.”

It felt good to be admired by at least one person in Zander’s life. “Take care of him for me?”

Paul tipped his head. “Always.”

It wasn’t exactly easy to do, but I went out and got in my car, prepared to leave. I turned on the radio, and it was just my luck, “Canvas” was playing.

Of course.

Hitting the road, I listened to Zander’s voice all the way home.

15

WINDOWSILL

Holliston came in to close for the second shift as I was getting ready to get off Saturday afternoon. The sight of her swollen eyes and sluggish movement made me forget all about theRolling StoneI was stashing for her in my bag.

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