Page 96 of Always Love You More

My father left around an hour ago, and after a quick check, I confirm the door to my brothers’ room is closed with loud music playing on the other side.

I take the stairs two at a time and only slow down once I’ve reached the living room.

Johnny has his back to me as he shuts the front door. He’s dressed in all black, the clothes somehow looking even darker with the rain that’s soaked them through. He has a black duffle bag dangling at his side, the straps gripped tightly in his hand.

He turns away from the door, his head bent. After stepping into the room, he looks up, pushing away the wet hair that’s fallen into his eyes.

I rush toward him, wrapping my arms around his middle.

“Easy,” he mutters. “I’m drenched.”

“You’re all right,” I say into his chest.

He smooths his hand down my back. “Told you I’d be fine, didn’t I?”

I step back. “Jameson told me you were … but I don’t know … I just … I was worried.”

His face softens.

“Did you eat already? I ask. “I can make you something.”

“Nah, you should get to bed.”

“Johnny.”

“What?”

“Did you eat?”

He shakes his head.

I motion toward the stairs. “Go get changed. I’ll make you something.”

He dips his chin. “Thanks, Bug.”

I lower my gaze to the bag in his hand, and I know he senses me looking at it.

Without saying anything, he turns and starts up the stairs. “I’ll be quick,” he throws over his shoulder.

I head for the kitchen and try not to think about all the answers to the questions I’m too afraid to ask.

Everything’s fine, I remind myself.They’re fine.

Chapter 24

Jameson

Hotwaterbeatsdownon me as I rub the sleep from my eyes. It felt like pulling teeth trying to drag myself out of bed this morning. The dream I was having felt far too real. Far too good.

I was down by the river with Sam. We were both floating on our backs, our bodies side by side, looking up at the sky. The sun was bright, but we could look right at it, its light wrapping around us.

I turned my head, and as I glanced over at her, she was already looking at me.

“You’re glowing,” she said.

I raised my hand above my face and realized she was right.

“You can see it, too?” she asked.