Page 74 of The Overdue Kiss

“I can’t believe it. The way he looks at you?—‍”

“Stop,” I say, my voice strained. “I don’t want to think about him anymore.”

“It just seems so out of character. And you tried Reese?”

“Goes to voicemail too.” I sniff and wipe my arm over my eyes. “I fell for him, Julia. Hard. I’m freaking mad at myself right now. That I let my guard down. I believed everything he said. Turns out he was just another Felipe.”

She nods and pats my shoulder comfortingly. “I believed him too. Do you want to come inside? I can make you some chocolate chip pancakes.”

“Yeah. Then I want to pack.”

“Maya . . .”

“I’ve been here too long as it is.” I grab her hand. “But I’m thankful I got to spend time with you. It was like old times when we were roommates.”

“I’m going to miss having you around the corner.”

“Remember, I always use all the hot water and forget to take out the trash. I’m a terrible roommate.”

Her eyes glisten. “No, you were the best. I’m going to miss you.”

“Me too.”

She stands and tugs me upright. “Come on.”

I stare a few seconds more at the street, begging to be wrong. That he overslept or stopped to help an old lady across the street.

But I’m not. Des isn’t here.

With a heavy heart I follow Julia back inside and crawl under my covers and face-plant into the pillow. Odd how only a few hours ago, I was so excited I could barely sleep. And now I’m replaying every conversation in my head and questioning my sanity.

Julia’s voice rises from the kitchen, radiating with irritation. “Who is this? Thor? Like the god of thunder? You must think I’m some easy target to fall for that.”

“Thor?” I whisper, jerking upright.

“How did you even get my number? I’m on a no-call list.”

“Julia, wait.” I claw at the covers tangled around me.

“Don’t get curt with me, buddy,” Julia snaps. “I don’t care who you are.”

I run into the kitchen, nearly knocking into the coffee table in my haste.

“Julia, give me the phone. I know him. Please.”

She makes a face but hands me the phone anyway.

“Hello? Thor?” My voice reaches an octave higher than I’ve heard before.

“Maya?”

“Yes, this is she.”

He sighs. “About time someone got through to you. Cai has been trying to reach you all morning.”

If I thought I was sick before, the crippling dread welling in my chest has me reaching for the counter for support. Blood rushes to my ears, pounding to the beat of my heart as I manage to get words out.

“Where’s Des? Is he all right? Why didn’t he show up? Was there an accident?Is he okay?”

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