Page 109 of Fly's Path

“Max and Everett moved the party back to Willow Street. Vex called. He’s irritated he didn’t get an invitation to the party. And he also said to tell you the next time you send Sheri home crying, he’ll kill you.”

“Wait? What? Why was she crying? Where’s Integer? He was supposed to see her home safely. Where is Sheri? I need to go see her. Make sure she’s okay.”

Rogue shakes his head. “No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do. I need to go see her right now. To make sure she’s alright.”

“First, you smell like a porta-potty that they forgot to clean out for two weeks in the middle of summer, which is why we’re driving back with the windows open. Second, you really, really don’t want to get near Vex right now. Your woman ended up making his woman cry. He’s not a happy camper right now.”

“I don’t care. I need to see her. I need to make sure she’s alright.”

“You don’t walk in front of a shark while bleeding. You’re not going to see her tonight. We’ll sit on you if that’s what it takes to keep you alive.”

“You and what army?”

“Brother, don’t test us. You know we’ll all do what we need to keep you alive. Shower. Take a nap. You’ll see her in a few hours.”

“Do you have my phone?”

Rogue nods towards the glove box.

I grab it, almost dropping it in my haste. There’s no message from her. No angry text. Nothing.

What do I say? It’s not like I can explain what we just did.

Fly

Are you still awake, Your Royal Highness, or should I say, my princess?

The silence on the other end echoes inside of me. I made Sheri cry on what was supposed to be the perfect first date.

Murders, Mayhem, and Men

Sheridan

Every muscle in my body aches as I trudge down the stairs. This morning called for a precious cup of my instant espresso. Even with the tepid water from the sink, it tastes better than almost anything in the world. That includes the toaster pastries I ate last night after my run.

My very ill-thought-out run. I’m going to pay for every one of those miles.

“Good morning.” Dahlia lifts her mug. “Would you like some hot cocoa or a coffee?”

“Thanks, but I’m good.” I lift my thermal cup up. “When should our ride arrive?”

“Maverick is taking us. He thought we could caravan with the bus everyone else will be in. It leaves in about twenty minutes, which leaves you plenty of time to eat. You must be starving. You were out for hours last night. How many miles did you run?”

Not a clue. I lift up my phone to check my tracking app and see a message Fly sent early this morning when I was in the middle of my run.

Fly

Are you still awake, Your Royal Highness, or should I say, my princess?

How deep in my own thoughts was I that I didn’t even hear it chime?

Should I respond?

Should I ignore it?

He probably thought I was asleep.