Page 26 of Cold As Ice

Low-key and drama-free.

But apparently, Ella saw right through me, and that was a problem.

“Nah, I couldn’t sleep. Bad dreams.” I locked down my expression, hoping to give nothing else away.

There was no way in hell I was about to tell her I’d spent most of last night and the night before texting Madison.

“Well, I’m just going to grab a few things of Connor’s to take with me.” She headed for the staircase, but I called after her, feeling like a giant shit.

“I know I’ve been a miserable ass the last few months, but Connor is a good friend. If you need anything…”

“Thanks, Austin. I appreciate it.” Ella took off toward the stairs, and I sent out a quick group text.

“Got everything?” I asked when she reappeared ten minutes later. Ella nodded, and I added, “Come on. I’ll carry those out to your car.”

Grabbing the bags off her, I made for the front door, smiling when I saw the cavalry had already arrived.

“What is this?” Ella said, emotion coating her voice.

“We wanted to come and say bye.”

“Guys”—she inhaled a shuddering breath—“we’re not leaving forever.”

“We know. But this whole thing is shit,” Noah said. “And we wanted you to know that we’re here for you, El. Always.” He pulled her into a hug, setting off her emotions.

“I’m really going to miss you guys.” Tears coasted down her cheeks.

“As soon as he feels up to it, just say the word, and we’ll be there.”

“His dad will love that,” she murmured.

“Fuck his dad. Connor needs us. He needs you, El.” Noah squeezed her arm before releasing her.

“Thank you.” Ella dried her eyes with the back of her hands. “Whew. I didn’t realize this would be so hard.”

“You can do this, babe.” Aiden’s girlfriend, Dayna, pulled her in for a hug. “I’ll text you every day.”

“You don’t need to do that.”

“Hush. You’re important, too, El.” She kissed Ella’s cheek, gently shoving her into Rory’s arms.

“Dayna’s right. We’re all here for you.” She nodded, pulling away.

“Okay, I’m going. I’ll text when I get there.”

“You’d better, Henshaw,” Noah chuckled. “Or else.”

“Drive safe,” I said, and she gave me a half-smile, her gaze lingering long enough to make me shift on the spot uncomfortably.

The girls walked Ella to her car, and we stayed back, watching as Dayna opened the driver’s door. “We’re only a phone call away,” she said.

“I know.” Ella slipped inside, visibly trying to hold it together.

“You think she’ll be okay?” I asked no one in particular.

“It’s Connor and Ella,” Noah said. “They’ll get through this. They have to.”

Yeah, I thought to myself. Because if any couple had a shot at going the distance, it was the two of them.

---