Page 36 of Forever

I kept staring at my phone. What if he was the only one that could help? He was the only person I knew that had dealt closely with the Pruitts. He knew them. He…he could definitely help.

I sighed.Fuck it.I hit James’ number and pulled my phone to my ear.

He answered after a few rings. “Hey, Matt. How is Brooklyn doing?”

Penny had called trying to set up a play date for Scarlett and Jacob earlier this week. I’d let her know that Brooklyn wasn’t up to it. I’d figured she’d told James too.

“Not great actually,” I said. “I need your help. Do you think maybe you could talk to her?”

“Me?”

“She’s scared to leave the house. She just…I don’t know. She’s closed herself off. I don’t know what to do. And you know what it’s like to be part of that world. Isabella tried to kill you.”

James didn’t say anything.

“And you made up with your dad. I know it’s not the same as Brooklyn and her dad. But you were able to put the past in the past and move forward. I think maybe talking to you could help her. I don’t know what else to do, James. I’m really worried about her.”

“My next class doesn’t start for another hour. I could swing by now.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, man.”

“Of course, Matt. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

Hopefully Brooklyn would let him in the house. I knew she didn’t want any visitors. I was trying my best to listen. But…it was James. She’d talk to James.Please let this help.

Chapter 10

Thursday

Brooklyn

The thought of leaving the house made my chest hurt. I just knew in my gut that I was supposed to be home. That I was safe here. And I didn’t know any other way to explain it to Matt.

I knew he was just trying to help, but if he asked me to leave the house one more time I was going to scream. I was exactly where I needed to be.

“Can we go to the zoo?” Jacob asked.

Not you too.I felt bad enough denying him football practice. “Not today, sweet boy.”

“Can we go see Scarlett?”

This kid and his crush on Scarlett.“Maybe next week.” That’s what Matt had said. It was possible that I’d feel differently next week.Maybe.

“But I miss her.”

I pressed my lips together. “Not today,” I said. “But soon.”

He sighed. “Can Abuelo Tanner come?”

I shook my head.

“What about Mr. Nigel?”

Jacob, please.I pulled him off the kitchen counter. “How about you go play with your trucks?”

“But they’re not as fun without Mr. Nigel. He makes the engines roar.”

“You can make the engines roar.”

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