Page 119 of Well That Happened

Then—

A door slams.

We freeze.

Footsteps. Heavy ones.

Hunter.

Caleb curses under his breath. “Right on cue.”

I groan. “Please tell me he didn’t see anything.”

Grayson looks slightly guilty, pink creeping up his neck.

I bury my face in the pillow. “Cool. I’m moving out. Immediately.”

Caleb chuckles, but it’s strained. “We’ll deal with him.”

“No,” I say quickly. “No one deal with anyone. I’m fine. Everything’s fine. No one speak of this. Ever.”

Silence.

Then, Grayson’s voice, low and gruff, “Copy that.”

Caleb salutes with his fork. “Operation: Complete Denial it is.”

Hunter yells from the bathroom, “Someone left their toiletries all over the counter. If I find out whose it is, I’m cutting off your water supply.”

Caleb winces. “We’re all going to die.”

I flop back onto the mattress, pulling the covers over my head.

“I already have.”

The knife slices through the cucumber with a satisfying crunch, the rhythm steady as I prepare a snack. The afternoon sun filters through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the countertop. We’ve been back home for a few days, and things are… mostly normal.

My phone buzzes beside me, displaying Fletcher’s name. I wipe my hands and answer.

“Hey, Fletch.”

“Hey, Riles.” His voice carries a warmth that instantly puts me at ease. “Got a minute?”

“Always for you.”

He chuckles softly. “Just wanted to let you know things are looking up. I’ve been keeping my head down, and they’ve granted me a visit. I’m planning to come see you soon.”

A smile spreads across my face. “That’s great news! I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you too. I’m sorry about missing family day. Had some… setbacks. But I’m working on it.”

“It’s alright. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks. So, how have you been? What’s new?”

I pause, the memories of Chicago flooding back—Caleb’s teasing grin, Grayson’s intense gaze, the unspeakable things we shared in the hotel bed that still make my cheeks warm. I clear my throat.

“Not much. Just school and stuff.”

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