Page 118 of Fixation
Oh, no.
Oh, yes.
No—definitely oh, no. I have to get home. I have to hide.
“Great. We could go to the beach, catch a movie like we used to.”
“Count me in.” I fake a smile, trying to think of something positive to say that’d put my brother at ease. “Guess what? I’m working on my summer collection.”
Anderson’s car disappears.
I should hightail it to my house, lock myself in. I’ll be safe there, out of his reach.
“Holy shit, I’m so happy for you. After the last collection you called off, I was worried. That’s great news. Send me pictures when you’re home?”
“Tomorrow, when I have natural lighting. The photos always come out better that way.”
I’m closer, almost home.
“Awesome.”
My feet betray me, and I run slower.
I’m baiting a predator. God, I am so fucked.
My heart races. My throat is clogged.
“Hey, Beau?”
“Yeah?”
“You know I love you.” I don’t know why this feels like goodbye. I don’t mean for it to.
I don’t mean to hang around for Anderson to catch me, either.
“Uh, love you too?” He pauses, then clears his throat. “You sure everything’s okay?”
“Absolutely.” My key is in my pocket. It’ll take less than a heartbeat to reach it once I’m at the door.
I walk slower still.
I’m losing my mind, and it’s all Anderson’s fault.
“Okay.” My brother suddenly sounds distracted. His phone must vibrate with messages from one of his many friends. “Talk soon, then.”
One last chance to ask for help. To tell him I’m in danger. That I was kidnapped.
Instead, right before I hang up, I say, “Talk soon.”
A familiar scent reaches my nose.
A woodsy scent laced with antiseptic and Anderson.
He’s close.
I thought I wanted him to catch me. I thought I could face him.
I was wrong. So wrong.
