Page 71 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

I can’t shake the feeling that something is off.If he needed to talk to me, he would’ve come over right away this morning.Maybe he went hiking with his brothers.But that doesn’t seem like him.And why wouldn’t he have mentioned it to me?

He left without saying a word.Just like my mom did.Like my dad always warned would happen.

I try to push away these thoughts and tell myself I’m being irrational, but the pain and fear run deep.Even if he didn’t physically leave, he’s emotionally gone right now.And a part of me fears he may never come back.Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed him away.

I spend the rest of the day trying to distract myself.I go for a run, get caught up on work, and even attempt to solicit a few more sales.But tension and anxiety continue to build inside of me.

As evening approaches, I give in and decide to go see Seth at his cabin.If he’s still there, great.If not, at least I can get some closure.

The lights are out, and he’s not there.

Bisbee and Gilbert run circles around me, their third partner suspiciously missing.

Maybe he really is gone.

TWENTY-FIVE

Seth

“Dinner at the ‘rents,” Mark says as we get back into the Bentley.The hike was good, and Deka enjoyed it.It took all day, but I liked spending time with my brothers.Especially since there isn’t really a gym nearby, so I haven’t been to one in a while.I’m starting to go soft.

“Tell them I had stuff to do,” Levi comments, hopping into the back seat.

Mark swivels around.“What kind of stuff do you have to do?”

Levi glowers at him.“None of your business.But I can’t make dinner.”

Mark turns around and hits me on the biceps with the back of his hand.“Levi’s got a girlfriend.”

“I do not.”

“Do too.And you’re just embarrassed to talk about her.What’s her name?”

He rolls his eyes.“I’m not meeting a girl.I have some things that I need to take care of this evening, and it’s easier to do with a sandwich instead of a full dinner at Mom’s.”

The drive back to our parents’ house is about an hour, but none of us say much once the wind starts whipping through our hair because we have the top down.

We pull up in front of Mom and Dad’s house.All the lights are on, and I can hear laughter coming from the open windows.

“I can see why you like convertibles,” Mark says.“You need to stick around so we can all borrow your Bentley.”

I slap my hand on his shoulder.“Nice try.”

He and Levi spent the day trying to talk me into staying.I argued with them the whole time because I’m still not a hundred percent sure that my plan will work, and I don’t want them telling anyone what I’m up to.Not until Mae is fully on board.But if she is, I have found my place.

Speaking of her, I hear her laughter coming out of the house.It’s time to tell her about my meeting with Eli.I was irked that she wouldn’t meet me last night, but I guess I have been pushy.

We enter the house, and Mae jerks her gaze toward us.Her expression is one of relief, and then she glares at me before dropping back into a conversation with Abi, her posture rigid.She’s angry, but I have no idea why.

I grab a plate and dish up because I’m starving.I need to feel Mae out before I attempt to talk to her.

Mark is right behind me.“You wanna eat fast and then see if we find out where Levi snuck off to?You don’t think he found out about Abi’s little TikTok account?”

I shake my head.“I need to talk to Mae.”

Mark frowns.“I guess she’s more important.She looks pissed.”

At least I read the situation correctly.

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