Page 87 of Ugly Beautiful Scars

She studies me for a long moment, clearly not convinced but willing to let it go for now. "If you're sure. But the offer stands. Anytime."

"Thank you." Fresh tears sting my eyes, this time from gratitude. "You're the best friend I could ask for."

We talk a while longer and Raven's calm voice slowly pulls me back from the edge of despair. She lightens my mood by sharing updates about her new apartment situation. There's a hot neighbor wanting to help with her repairs, so she's been breaking things on purpose.

By the time we say goodbye, my eyelids are heavy and my body is depleted from the emotional onslaught.

I set my laptop aside and curl up beneath my blankets. My face feels puffy and tight from dried tears; my throat is parched. Sleep tugs at the edge of my consciousness, promising a temporary escape.

In the morning, I'll think about what to say to Sean. I'll face whatever reaction he has with my chin up, even if he rejects me and my heavy, heavy baggage.

For now, I surrender to exhaustion, letting the darkness pull me under as I imagine Sean's lips on mine again in a tender, gentle kiss.

Chapter 27

LONDYN

MY KNUCKLES HOVER JUST INCHES from Sean's door, suspended in that terrible in-between where decisions become real. One gentle tap will bridge the distance between us. One tap, and I'll have to face him.

I'll have to face myself.

Before I can retreat back to my safe, lonely apartment, the door opens suddenly.

Duh! He can see me on the video feed!

But it's not Sean standing in the doorway, it's Mike.

"Morning, Londyn." His usual grin is plastered on his face, but his eyes betray worry. It's the same look my old high school drama teacher gave me when I forgot my lines during the senior showcase. Worry mixed with not knowing how to help.

"Morning," I say in a reedy voice. "Could I speak with Sean?"

Mike shifts, opening the door wider. "He's in the shower. Should be out in a few. Want to come in and wait?"

I nod, stepping past him into the apartment. The security equipment sits quietly in the corner, and seeing my life sectioned into small squares is such an odd thing. It's almost like I'm on a sitcom again, only it's not very funny.

"Everything okay?" Mike asks, studying me with that careful attention I've come to associate with both men.

"Yes," I lie. Then immediately, "No. I mean… I need to talk to Sean. Would you be able to give us a few minutes alone?"

Mike's fatherly instincts visibly sharpen, suspicion narrowing his eyes for a fraction of a second before he shrugs. "Anything I can help with?"

"No, but thank you."

He hesitates, then nods. "I'll grab us some coffee. Give you two some privacy."

"Thank you. That would be perfect."

"Any preference?"

"Espresso would be amazing." I attempt a smile that probably looks more like a grimace. "Double shot, please."

"You got it." He grabs his wallet off the kitchen counter, slipping it into his jeans pocket. Then he checks his holster. It's a little warm outside, but he shrugs on a light jacket to conceal the gun. "Tell Sean I'll be back in thirty."

"I will. Thank you so much."

He leaves with one last concerned, fatherly glance.

Now alone and waiting for Sean to appear, I drift toward the window. Morning light filters through the blinds and casts long shadows across the floor.

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