Page 97 of The Persistence of Thornes
“Okay,” she replies absently, her attention already zeroed in on the twins, who are conspiring in the corner.
God help me there. I knew she’d one day be interested in boys—or girls; that would be okay too—but I’m not ready. And I’m wondering if any parent ever is.
CHAPTER 24
CALEB
Laith isn’t on the back porch, so I make my way down the steps and past the covered pool. At the base of the treehouse, I tilt my head back and squint into the darkness.
“Laith?” I call up. “Please tell me your sorry ass isn’t up there sulking?”
He pokes his head out the open window. “Define sulking.”
With a groan, I drop my head back. “I’m coming up.”
The treehouse is sturdy, but it’s not large, so as I climb the ladder, I ready myself forthe tight quarters.
I pop my head through the door, then wiggle my way through.
“Jesus, it’s tight in here,” I groan, practically rolling over to sit. “And don’t you dare make a joke out of that statement.”
The glint in his eye dulls. “If you came out here to ruin my fun, you can go,” he gripes, digging through the candy bag.
“When Salem asks where the candy I was supposed to bring is, don’t think I won’t throw you under the bus.”
“Whatever,” he grumbles, ripping another Kit-Kat open. “I’ll buy a bag tomorrow.”
I arch a brow. “Halloween is over, my guy.” Town-wide trick-or-treating was held last night, so come tomorrow, Salem won’t have much need for chocolate.
“Whatever,” he gripes.
“Dude,” I say, lowering my voice. “Are you actually upset right now?”
“No.” He looks out the window, his face drawn. “I’m fine.”
“Could have fooled me.” I’ve never seen him look so forlorn.
Laith heaves out a sigh that I swear rattles the entire treehouse. “She’s getting married.”
My heart sinks. “Who’s getting married?”
The glare he levels me with is sharp enough to slice right through me. “Don’t make me say it.”
“Daisy?”
He flinches. “Yeah.” He unlocks his phone and slides it my way. “She looks happy.”
I study the picture on the screen. I’ve never met her. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo. She’s blond, with a round, kind-looking face. In the image, she’s smiling at the camera, showing off her engagement ring, wrapped in the arms of a man I presume is her fiancé.
“I don’t know what possessed me to check her socials today, but I did, and…” He gnaws on another piece of chocolate. “Part of me is glad she moved on when I couldn’t, but I’m angry too. Pissed that she could forget me so easily.”
Laith has given me bits and pieces over the years. They grew up next door to one another. They were friends, and maybe a little more. When he left for college, they stayed in touch. But when he returned home for his first break, she was different.
“Mixed emotions are normal, man.” I hand him his phone back and he tucks it into his pocket. “Maybe it’s time for you to get back out there and date.”
He opens his mouth, likely to argue with me, but I hold up a hand to stop him.
“Nothook up.”
