CHAPTER EIGHT
Ghosted
I CHECKED MY PHONE. Again. Lucas hadn’t retuned any of my calls or texts. Which wasn’t like him at all. Maybe, he was out of cell range somewhere in the mountains driving north?
An uneasy feeling churned in my gut.
I texted Federico, knowing he’ll know where my man is and continued packing my overnight bag. We have plans. I know Lucas can’t afford much and I didn’t want to stay in his room at the clubhouse. I wanted a relaxing, romantic weekend with just the two of us, so I suggested we check on the cabins by the lake. He said it would be cold. I told him to keep me warm.
I kept busy for the next few hours by making my lesson plans for the upcoming school week, tidying my apartment, and finishing putting away my laundry.
He should be here any minute. I glanced at my cell; still no new texts. Biting my lip, I decided to call him again. His phone rings and rings… his voicemail—full.
My heart tripped.
Something is wrong.
Very wrong.
Darkness fell softly, cloaking the world outside. It blocked out the stars that usually light the way. Headlights turned from the road, cutting across the windows as a truck came down the drive.
I picked up my bag, excited that he was finally here. I flicked off my lights, locked my door and bounded down the porch.
I paused, confused as Dev opened a passenger door. Rog’s eyes looked sad as he stared at me through the windshield. My body shook. I was hot then cold. The bag fell from my shoulders.
“He’s not coming.”
“What happened! Was he shot?! Wh-where is he?” I screamed, rapidly running towards her. I was frantic—panicked that something terrible had happened.
Dev held me steady. I was shaking so hard.
“I’m sorry,” Rog spoke softly behind me. “He’s never coming again.”
“Noooooo!” I screamed, keeling over; falling to the cold, wet leaves on the ground.
“He’s not dead…”
“What? Then what is going on? Take me to him right now!”
“I’m sorry. We can’t.”
“Dev? What the hell is going on? You’re my best friend… please?” I grabbed at her sleeve.
A tear fell from her eyes. Rog grabbed me gently from behind. “It’s over.”
“Are you kidding me right now? Did he send you here to break-up with me?”
They both looked down at me with sad eyes full of pity.
“That piece of shit. That weak coward. He can’t even tell me it’s over in person… or even on the phone? No—I-I don’t believe this… he wouldn’t. It’s the Club, right? Is he in danger… in a safe house or something? That’s it, right?”
“Stay with us tonight?” Dev moved to pick-up the bag I left behind.
I’m numb. Frozen in shock. I took out my cell, texting him again:
Me:What is happening? Are you okay? I love you… please answer me. I’m so worried, babe.
I paced in the cold. My breath came out as puffs of white mist, caught in the headlights from Rog’s truck.